From Tingling Fingers to Agony: The Sneaky Grip of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

“At first, it was just a slight tingling in my fingers, nothing I paid much attention to. I thought it was just how I slept or maybe the cold weather. But as the days went by, the numbness grew worse until I couldn’t ignore it any longer. It wasn’t until I struggled to type at work that I realised something was seriously wrong,” says Sheena, an accountant. 

Have you ever found yourself struggling to grip a cup of tea or type on a keyboard without discomfort? For many, this is the daily reality of living with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Whether you're in an office setting, working with machinery, or engaging in hobbies like knitting or gaming, CTS can occur unexpectedly. Far more than just an inconvenience, CTS can make even the simplest tasks — like buttoning a shirt or holding a pen — a challenge. If left untreated, its effects can be debilitating. CTS affects an estimated 2.7-5.8% of the global population. Women are three times more likely than men to develop CTS, especially between the ages of 40 and 60. Recognising the symptoms early and understanding how to manage the condition can significantly improve the outcome.

"I couldn’t believe it when my doctor explained how a tiny nerve in my wrist was causing all the pain," Sheena continues. 
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, becomes compressed as it passes through the narrow carpal tunnel at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a rigid, narrow passageway of bones and ligaments. When tissues in the wrist become irritated or inflamed, the tunnel narrows. The median nerve controls sensation and movement in parts of your hand, especially your thumb and the first three fingers. When pressure builds up in the carpal tunnel, it squeezes the nerve, leading to discomfort, pain, and weakness.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms typically develop gradually, starting with mild tingling or numbness in the fingers. Over time, this can escalate into sharp, burning pain that may radiate up the forearm, often worsening at night or upon waking due to wrist positioning during sleep.

Key symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:

• Tingling or numbness, especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
• Pain that may extend from the wrist into the arm.
• Weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grip or hold objects.
• A tendency to drop items due to reduced strength.

"Some mornings, I couldn’t grip a cup of tea without pain shooting through my wrist," says Sheena. 

If left untreated, CTS can lead to permanent nerve damage, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial to prevent long-term complications.

CTS doesn’t develop overnight; it usually arises from a combination of factors contributing to nerve compression. 

Common causes of CTS include:

• Repetitive wrist movements: Activities like typing or using a mouse can strain the carpal tunnel, leading to nerve compression.
• Anatomy: A naturally narrower carpal tunnel increases the likelihood of developing CTS.
• Underlying health conditions: Issues such as diabetes, arthritis, or thyroid imbalances can cause wrist inflammation, raising the risk of CTS.

"As a graphic designer, I spent hours with my hand on the mouse, which was probably the root 

cause,” says Sheena. For people like Sheena, whose daily job involved long hours of repetitive wrist motion, the strain on her median nerve gradually worsened until it became painful. "I never thought sitting at a desk all day could lead to something so serious," she reflects.

"I used to power through long stretches without stopping, but now I know better," says Sheena. "I make sure to listen to my body and take those breaks."

Preventing CTS starts with making minor changes to your daily routine. One of the most effective prevention strategies is ensuring proper ergonomics at work or during activities that require repetitive wrist motion. 

• Adjust the height of your chair to keep your wrists straight
• Use a mouse pad with wrist support
• Use ergonomic keyboards and tools designed to minimise wrist stress.
• Take frequent breaks.
• Stretch your hands and wrists every hour to relieve pressure.

Simple wrist exercises are recommended to improve blood flow.

“I advise patients to focus on posture correction and stretching exercises that relieve nerve pressure. Regular hand and wrist exercises combined with using a supportive wrist brace at night can make a noticeable difference in managing discomfort,” says Dr Ankit Marfatia, Orthopaedic Surgeon in Mumbai. However, surgery may become necessary if non-invasive treatments fail to provide relief and symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness persist or worsen over time.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome often starts quietly, with symptoms that are easy to brush off. But catching it early can make all the difference between a quick fix and long-term damage. Don’t let CTS grip your life — listen to your body, act early, and keep your hands in the best shape for the long run.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is relatively common. CTS affects an estimated 2.7-5.8% of the global population. It’s particularly common among women, with 5.8% experiencing it compared to 0.6% of men. Women are three times more likely than men to develop CTS, especially between the ages of 40 and 60.

If you have CTS, you might experience tingling, numbness, or pain in your hand and wrist, especially at night. Over time, these symptoms can worsen, leading to weakness and difficulty with tasks like gripping objects. Early treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent progression.

The best treatment varies depending on severity. Mild cases can often be managed with wrist exercises, posture adjustments, and wearing a wrist brace. If other treatments fail, a doctor may recommend medications or surgery for more severe cases.

While there’s no permanent “cure,” CTS can be effectively managed. Surgery offers long-term relief for many patients by relieving nerve pressure, while non-surgical treatments can help manage symptoms and slow progression in milder cases.