5 Tips to Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Find out what carpal tunnel syndrome is, how it’s diagnosed, and 5 tips to treat it without surgery.

Sanaz Majd, MD,
June 11, 2015
Episode #082

Page 1 of 2



What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?



What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Initially, symptoms of tingling and numbness typically occur in the middle of the night.  But if left untreated, they can progress into the daytime as well.  When severe and chronic enough, some patients start to get weakness in the entire hand.  They may no longer be able to open jars and drop objects held in the affected hand. As its severity progresses, the hand loses functioning. 

Who Gets Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Any repetitive movements or prolonged inflammation of the wrist can cause CTS. For instance, CTS is very common in those who work with their hands.  I see this commonly in patients who do a lot of typing, construction, or carpentry. In addition, those with hobbies requiring fine motor skills of the hands, such as beading or knitting, can also develop CTS.  Pregnant women commonly get CTS as well, since the increase in fluid retention in the wrist can also compress the nerve.