Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Quick Guide to Relief

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve gets squeezed at the wrist. That nerve controls feeling and movement in parts of your hand, so numbness, tingling, and weakness are common. You may notice pins-and-needles in your thumb, index, middle, or part of your ring finger, worse at night or after repetitive hand use.

Not every wrist twinge is carpal tunnel. If symptoms come and go with certain activities—typing, using a phone, gripping tools—think carpal tunnel. If symptoms are sudden or follow an injury, get checked right away.

Treatment options

Start with simple fixes you can do today. Wearing a neutral wrist splint at night keeps your wrist straight, which often stops the numbness while you sleep. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can ease inflammation for a short time, but they don’t fix the nerve pressure.

Physical therapy and specific nerve-gliding exercises help many people. A therapist will show stretches that reduce pressure on the median nerve and improve hand strength. If symptoms are moderate, a short steroid injection into the carpal tunnel can reduce swelling and give clear relief for weeks to months.

Surgery is the reliable option when conservative care fails or nerve testing shows serious compression. A carpal tunnel release cuts the ligament pressing the nerve and usually relieves symptoms. Recovery varies—some patients feel better in days, others take weeks to regain full grip strength. Discuss risks and expected recovery with your surgeon before deciding.

Prevention and simple exercises

Reduce risk by changing how you use your hands. Keep wrists neutral: avoid bending them up or down for long periods. Take short breaks from repetitive tasks every 20–30 minutes. Use ergonomic tools—a keyboard with a low profile, a mouse that fits your hand, or cushioned grips on hand tools can cut pressure on the wrist.

Try these quick moves: shake your hands like you’re airing them out for 10–15 seconds, then gently stretch the fingers back and hold for 15–30 seconds. Another useful drill is a tendon-nerve glide: make a fist, then open the hand and bend the wrist backward while stretching the fingers. Repeat slowly 5–10 times, twice a day. Stop if you feel increased pain.

When should you see a doctor? If numbness or weakness limits daily tasks—buttoning clothes, holding a cup—or symptoms don’t improve after a week of home measures, see a clinician. A doctor will do a physical exam, sometimes order nerve tests, and outline treatment steps. Early action often prevents permanent nerve damage and gets you back to normal activities faster.