Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. Common symptoms include finger numbness, tingling, nighttime discomfort and grip weakness. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so an accurate diagnosis matters.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Numbness commonly affects the thumb, index and middle fingers. A clinician assesses sensation and strength and may recommend nerve conduction studies, electromyography or ultrasound when indicated.
Non-surgical treatment
For mild to moderate symptoms, a nighttime wrist splint or a corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel may provide relief. Ultrasound guidance can help with injection placement. Benefits may be temporary; an injection does not reliably prevent the need for later surgery.
When should surgery be considered?
Progressive thumb weakness, persistent sensory loss, severe nerve impairment or symptoms that persist despite conservative treatment warrant a hand-surgery assessment.
Carpal tunnel vs wrist-joint injections
A carpal tunnel injection is delivered into the carpal tunnel, not into the wrist joint. Intra-articular wrist injections are separate treatments for selected joint conditions.
Consultation in Tbilisi
👨⚕️ Dr. Irakli Shelia, Rheumatologist, MD, PhD. Gudushauri Clinic, 66 Ljubljana Street, Tbilisi, Georgia. Phone: +995 555 787 772.