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

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome often starts subtly. Being aware of the early signs helps prevent the condition from worsening.

Typical symptoms include:

• Tingling or “pins and needles” in the thumb, index, or middle fingers
• Numbness, especially at night or first thing in the morning
• Weakness or dropping objects unexpectedly
• Pain that may radiate up the arm from the wrist or palm
• Difficulty gripping or performing tasks requiring fine motor control

At first, symptoms may come and go. But, without treatment, they can become persistent and more severe over time.

If tingling or numbness lasts more than a few weeks, or if you experience pain that disrupts sleep or daily function, it’s time to seek specialist assessment.

Untreated Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage and muscle wasting at the base of the thumb.

At Orthopaedic Innovation, our team of hand specialists perform detailed clinical assessments; including nerve conduction studies and ultrasound imaging, to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of wrist pain.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)² emphasises that early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent irreversible nerve damage and long-term loss of hand strength.

In the early stages, conservative treatments can often reduce pressure on the nerve and improve symptoms:

• Wrist splints, especially at night
• Steroid injections to reduce swelling
• Ergonomic adjustments at work or during hobbies
• Physiotherapy and nerve-gliding exercises

These approaches aim to relieve pressure, restore comfort, and help patients avoid surgery where possible.

When non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief, carpal tunnel decompression surgery may be required to restore nerve function and prevent permanent damage.

At Orthopaedic Innovation, we offer a revolutionary, minimally invasive Carpal Tunnel Decompression Surgery technique:

This modern, precision-based approach involves a small incision under local anaesthetic, offering:

• Shorter procedure times (around 10 minutes)
• Minimal scarring and tissue trauma
• No stitches!
• Faster recovery and return to daily activities (~24 hours)

Most patients experience immediate improvement in tingling and numbness, with full recovery in just a few weeks.

After your procedure, our team provides personalised carpal tunnel surgery aftercare instructions, including wound care guidance, swelling management, and gentle post-operative exercises to support a smooth recovery.

While not all cases are preventable, these strategies can help reduce your risk:

• Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks
• Keep wrists in a neutral position when typing or lifting
• Maintain good posture and hand ergonomics
• Stretch and strengthen wrist and hand muscles regularly

These simple changes can make a real difference: particularly for those in computer-based or manual professions.

1. What are the first signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tingling, numbness, or pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, often worse at night or in the morning.

2. Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome go away on its own?

Mild cases sometimes improve with rest or splinting, but ongoing symptoms should always be assessed by a specialist.

3. How long does it take to recover from carpal tunnel surgery?

Most patients recover within 2–3 weeks after minimally invasive surgery, or 4–6 weeks after open surgery, depending on their occupation and activity level.

4. Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome come back after surgery?

Recurrence is rare but can occur if repetitive strain continues. Our advanced technique minimises this risk.

5. Can you drive after carpal tunnel surgery?

Most people can safely drive after carpal tunnel surgery within 1–2 weeks following minimally invasive surgery, once they can grip the steering wheel comfortably and are no longer using restrictive dressings.