Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can develop for a number of reasons. Common causes include:

Repetitive hand or wrist movements at work or during activities
Swelling around the tendons in the wrist
A previous wrist injury, such as a sprain or fracture
Health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid issues or rheumatoid arthritis
Hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy

Sometimes, there is no single clear cause.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually develop gradually. You may notice:

Tingling, “pins and needles” or numbness in the fingers or hand
Pain in the hand or wrist, which can sometimes travel up the arm
Weakness or reduced grip strength
Difficulty with small tasks such as fastening buttons or typing
Symptoms that are often worse at night or first thing in the morning

How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a discussion about your symptoms and a physical examination. Your specialist may carry out simple wrist and hand tests to check if your symptoms can be reproduced.

In some cases, further tests such as nerve conduction studies or ultrasound may be recommended. These help to confirm the diagnosis and assess how much pressure is on the nerve.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and how long you have had them.

Non-surgical treatment options include:

Wearing a wrist splint, especially at night
Adjusting activities or hand positions that make symptoms worse
Anti-inflammatory medication or steroid injections
Hand therapy or guided exercises to improve movement and reduce irritation
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections to support soft-tissue healing and reduce inflammation around the nerve

Many people find these approaches helpful, especially in the early stages.

If symptoms continue or there are signs of nerve weakness, surgery may be recommended.

What is the recovery like?

Recovery can vary depending on the type of treatment and whether surgery is required.

For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, there are two main surgical approaches if symptoms do not improve with non-surgical treatment:

Traditional Surgery – usually carried out either through an open incision or a keyhole (endoscopic) technique. The ligament pressing on the nerve is released to create more space.
Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Decompression – a minimally invasive procedure performed through a tiny skin opening using real-time ultrasound imaging for precise treatment.

Below is a simple comparison of what recovery typically looks like for both options:

	Traditional Surgery	Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Decompression
Anaesthetic	Usually local or general anaesthetic	Local anaesthetic only
Incision & Scarring	Larger incision; stitches required	Tiny 2–4 mm opening; no stitches, minimal scarring
Return to Daily Activities	Often 1–2 weeks	Usually within 24 hours
Return to Driving/Work	2–6 weeks depending on activity	Many patients return within days
Symptom Relief	Gradual improvement as the nerve recovers	Often immediate, especially night-time discomfort

Your specialist will guide you on exercises to help improve hand strength and movement.

When should I seek help?

You should see a specialist if:

Your symptoms are persistent or getting worse
Numbness or tingling is affecting daily tasks or sleep
You are experiencing weakness or dropping objects
Symptoms continue despite trying self-care or non-surgical treatment

Early assessment and treatment can prevent long-term nerve damage and help you return to comfortable daily use of your hand.

At Orthopaedic Innovation, our world leading surgical team offers a range of treatment options for people experiencing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (and When Should You Seek Help)

Carpal tunnel surgery

Non-surgical options

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Locations

Outpatient Clinic
Phoenix Hospital Group,
9 Harley Street,
London, W1G 9QJ

Inpatient
Weymouth Street Hospital,
42-46 Weymouth St,
London, W1G 6NP

Outpatient Clinic
Minor Procedures
25 Harley Street,
London, W1G 9QJ

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Medical disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, medical knowledge is constantly evolving, and individual cases may vary. Any surgical or non-surgical treatments discussed on this website should be considered in consultation with a medical professional who can assess your individual needs and medical history.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?