Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Numbness, Tingling, and Hand Pain
Waking up with numb fingers, experiencing electric shock sensations when typing, or struggling to grip objects—carpal tunnel syndrome is real, and it can significantly impact your work and daily life.
If you've been told 'just wear a wrist brace' or 'it's just from typing too much' despite worsening symptoms, you deserve evaluation from specialists who understand the complexity of median nerve compression.
What is This Condition?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a compressive neuropathy of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. It is characterized by numbness, tingling, burning, and pain in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. CTS affects approximately 4-5% of the general population and is the most common entrapment neuropathy in the upper extremity. The condition occurs when the transverse carpal ligament becomes thickened or inflamed, causing compression of the median nerve within the confined carpal tunnel space. It is a progressive condition that, if left untreated, can lead to permanent nerve damage and muscle weakness in the hand.
Common Misconception
Carpal tunnel syndrome is just from typing too much and will go away with rest.
Medical Reality
While repetitive hand use contributes to CTS, the condition often involves multiple factors: anatomical predisposition (small carpal tunnel), underlying medical conditions (diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis), fluid retention (pregnancy), and workplace ergonomics. The compression occurs when the flexor tendons within the carpal tunnel become inflamed and swollen, increasing pressure on the median nerve. In Dubai's technology-driven economy, where computer work and smartphone use are ubiquitous, CTS has become increasingly prevalent among professionals.
Common Accompanying Symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in thumb, index, middle, and half of ring finger
- Pain or burning sensation radiating from wrist to hand
- Weakness in hand grip or difficulty holding objects
- Symptoms worse at night or upon waking
- Electric shock-like sensations in fingers
Your symptoms suggest carpal tunnel syndrome. Schedule comprehensive evaluation to prevent permanent nerve damage.
What May Be Causing Your Pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome always has identifiable contributing factors. We identify the specific causes in your case.
Biological Mechanisms
Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression and subsequent ischemia of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. The pathophysiology includes: (1) Increased pressure within the carpal tunnel due to inflamed or swollen flexor tendons; (2) Compression of the median nerve leading to impaired blood flow (vasa nervorum); (3) Demyelination of the nerve fibers causing slowed conduction; (4) Eventually, axonal degeneration if compression is severe and prolonged; (5) Fibrosis and thickening of the nerve sheath in chronic cases. The median nerve is particularly vulnerable because it is the only nerve in the carpal tunnel that is not protected by muscle—it travels alongside the nine flexor tendons. Any swelling or inflammation in these tendons directly compresses the nerve.
Contributing Factors
Repetitive Hand/Wrist Motion
Continuous typing, mouse use, or assembly line work causing tendon inflammation
Anatomical Factors
Smaller carpal tunnel size, anatomical variations, or bone spurs
Systemic Medical Conditions
Diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis increasing nerve sensitivity
Fluid Retention
Pregnancy, menopause, or hormonal changes causing tissue swelling
Trauma or Fractures
Wrist injuries causing structural changes and inflammation
Obesity
Increased tissue mass in the carpal tunnel causing pressure
Environmental Triggers
- Repetitive computer mouse and keyboard use
- Prolonged vibration tool use
- Poor workplace ergonomics
- Extreme temperatures affecting circulation
Dietary Factors
- High sodium intake causing fluid retention
- Inflammatory diet exacerbating tendon swelling
- Dehydration affecting nerve function
Lifestyle Factors
- Sleeping with wrists bent or flexed
- Lack of ergonomic breaks during work
- Smoking affecting circulation
- Inadequate wrist support during activities
How We Identify the Cause
Carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis involves clinical assessment and specialized testing to determine severity and rule out other conditions.
Our Approach
At Healers Clinic, we believe in treating carpal tunnel syndrome comprehensively—addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying causes. While surgery is sometimes necessary for severe cases, we first explore all conservative options: ergonomic optimization, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory treatment, and nerve rehabilitation. Our integrative approach combines conventional diagnostics with functional medicine principles to identify systemic factors that may be contributing to nerve compression. We treat the whole person, not just the wrist.
Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)
Purpose: Measure median nerve function and compression severity
Shows: Motor and sensory nerve latency, conduction velocity, amplitude
Electromyography (EMG)
Purpose: Assess muscle involvement and rule out other neuropathies
Shows: Muscle fiber activity, nerve root function
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Purpose: Visualize the median nerve and surrounding structures
Shows: Nerve swelling, tendon inflammation, anatomical variations
Blood Work
Purpose: Rule out underlying systemic conditions
Shows: Thyroid function, diabetes screening, inflammatory markers
X-Ray
Purpose: Rule out arthritis or bone abnormalities
Shows: Bone spurs, arthritis, fracture healing
How We Treat Pain Syndromes
We provide multiple approaches to manage carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Physiotherapy & Nerve Gliding
Reduce pressure on median nerve and improve mobility
Wrist Splinting
Maintain neutral wrist position to reduce nighttime compression
Anti-inflammatory Treatment
Reduce tendon swelling and nerve compression
Ergonomic Assessment
Optimize workstation to reduce strain
Integrative Medicine
Address underlying systemic factors
Standard vs. Investigative Care
Standard Approach
Prescribes wrist braces and suggests surgery for moderate to severe cases
- ×Doesn't address underlying contributing factors
- ×Surgery carries risks and requires recovery time
- ×Does not optimize overall nerve health
- ×May not address workplace ergonomics
Our Approach
Comprehensive assessment to identify all contributing factors, then targeted treatment
- Identifies systemic conditions contributing to CTS
- Provides conservative treatment options before surgery
- Optimizes workplace ergonomics to prevent recurrence
- Addresses nutritional and inflammatory factors
Expected Healing Timeline
Phase 1: Assessment
Week 1Focus: Comprehensive assessment, Nerve conduction testing, Rule out other conditions
Expected Outcome: Confirm CTS diagnosis and identify contributing factors
Phase 2: Conservative Treatment
Weeks 2-6Focus: Splinting, Physiotherapy, Ergonomic modifications, Anti-inflammatory protocol
Expected Outcome: Symptom improvement in 50-70% of mild-moderate cases
Phase 3: Surgical Intervention (if needed)
Weeks 6-12Focus: Carpal tunnel release surgery if conservative treatment fails, Post-surgical rehabilitation
Expected Outcome: Resolution of symptoms with proper rehabilitation
Phase 4: Prevention
OngoingFocus: Maintenance exercises, Ergonomic optimization, Lifestyle modifications
Expected Outcome: Prevent recurrence and maintain hand function
At-Home Relief Strategies
While undergoing treatment, these strategies help manage carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Night Splinting
Wear a wrist splint in neutral position while sleeping
Expected: Prevents wrist flexion that compresses median nerve
Nerve Gliding Exercises
Perform gentle median nerve gliding exercises 2-3 times daily
Expected: Improves nerve mobility and reduces compression
Ergonomic Workstation
Keep wrist in neutral, use ergonomic keyboard/mouse
Expected: Reduces repetitive strain on median nerve
Cold Compress
Apply ice to wrist for 15 minutes, 3-4 times daily during flare-ups
Expected: Reduces inflammation and swelling
Common Questions Answered
Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed through: (1) Clinical examination including Tinel's sign (tapping on median nerve) and Phalen's test (wrist flexion causing symptoms); (2) Nerve conduction studies measuring how fast electricity moves through the median nerve; (3) Electromyography to assess muscle function; (4) Ultrasound to visualize nerve swelling; (5) Blood tests to rule out underlying conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease.