What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Pressure on the median nerve (one of three main nerves supplying the hand), in a tight space, called the Carpal Tunnel, where it passes from the forearm into the hand.  This pressure results in one or more of the following:

· Pins and needles affecting the thumb, forefinger, middle and ring  fingers

· Pain and discomfort, which often spreads up the forearm towards the elbow

· Clumsiness and a tendency to drop small objects

The pain and pins-and-needles tend to be worse at night, and  disrupt sleep but then they often occur by day as well.


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If surgical treatment is deemed necessary it is usually done using a local  block (you stay awake but the hand doesn't feel anything) and you are in and out in the same day.

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Time off work after carpal tunnel release

This will depend on your job, but in general you will have a bulky bandage on your hand for up to two weeks and will not be able to drive or  lift with that hand for this period. Your stitches are then removed and most people can resume work.
If you work in a heavy manual job or dirty environment then you may have a further period off work recommended