Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Nerve Compression

Nerve compression syndromes can cause numbness, tingling, weakness, pain, clumsiness, and loss of hand function.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common example and occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed at the wrist.

Symptoms commonly include:

• Numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
• Night waking
• Dropping objects
• Weakness
• Altered sensation
• Loss of fine motor control

Many patients improve with:

• Splinting
• Activity modification
• Injections
• Time

When symptoms persist or nerve compression becomes more significant, surgery may be recommended.

I offer both open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release.

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release uses a small camera and specialised instruments through a smaller incision, aiming to reduce soft tissue disruption while safely releasing the compressed nerve.

Potential advantages for selected patients may include:

• Smaller incision
• Reduced scar discomfort
• Earlier hand use
• Faster early recovery

Other nerve compression conditions assessed and treated include:

• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Ulnar nerve compression
• Radial nerve compression
• Recurrent or failed previous nerve decompression

Why does carpal tunnel syndrome often wake people at night?

Many people flex their wrists during sleep, increasing pressure within the carpal tunnel around the median nerve. This often causes night waking, numbness, shaking of the hands, or altered sensation in the fingers.