Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What You Need to Know

Do you wake up with numb fingers? Drop things more often than usual? Or feel aching in your wrist that sometimes travels into your hand?

These may be signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) a common condition we often treat here at Lake Health Group.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into your hand, gets compressed at the wrist. This nerve travels through a narrow space called the carpal tunnel, alongside tendons that help move your fingers. When this space becomes too tight due to swelling, inflammation, or repetitive strain it puts pressure on the nerve, causing symptoms.  Carpal Tunnel is mostly seen in people aged 36 to 60, and women are more likely to experience it than men.

Common Symptoms

• Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
• Pain or aching in the hand, wrist, or forearm
• Weakness or clumsiness, such as dropping items or struggling with buttons
• Worse symptoms at night, often waking with hands feeling numb or “asleep”
• If the condition progresses, you may notice reduced grip strength or visible shrinking (atrophy) of the thumb muscles.

What Causes It?

Carpal Tunnel can affect anyone, but some common causes and risk factors include:

• Repetitive hand use, such as typing, using tools, or gripping
• Pregnancy, due to fluid retention and swelling.
• Health conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or thyroid problems.
• Wrist anatomy — some people naturally have a smaller carpal tunnel.
• Injury or trauma to the wrist.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Early treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and physiotherapy is often a great place to start.

✅ Splinting

Wearing a night splint keeps your wrist in a neutral position, reducing pressure on the median nerve. We may also recommend wearing it during the day if your activities aggravate symptoms.

✅ Activity Advice

We’ll guide you on wrist positioning during daily tasks, including how to avoid excessive gripping or awkward wrist postures, especially during sleep.

✅ Workplace Ergonomics

If your work involves computers or repetitive tasks, we can help you set up your workspace to reduce strain.

✅ Gentle Strengthening

Once symptoms settle, we may introduce exercises to improve strength and movement in your wrist and hand.

✅ Further Management

In cases where symptoms persist, we may work alongside your GP to explore pathways to help further mange your symptoms.

Don’t Put Up with Wrist Pain

With early recognition and appropriate management, many individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome experience symptom relief and improved function.  If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them, early assessment and simple changes can make a big difference!

Lauren Powell

Physiotherapist