Last Updated on 11/10/2025 by admin
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Supporting Recovery and Function
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common nerve compression disorders affecting the wrist and hand. This article looks at causes, practical management strategies, and the role of supports and targeted exercises for recovery and function
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common nerve compression disorder affecting the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel—a narrow passageway in the wrist surrounded by bones and ligaments. When the tunnel becomes narrowed or tissues around the tendons swell, it increases pressure on the median nerve, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand. CTS is particularly common among individuals performing repetitive hand and wrist movements.
The symptoms of CTS can vary in severity and may develop gradually, and include:
• Numbness and tingling: Often in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger, especially at night or after prolonged hand use.
• Pain: Discomfort in the wrist, palm, or forearm, sometimes radiating toward the elbow.
• Weakness: Difficulty gripping objects or performing fine motor tasks due to weakened thumb muscles.
• Swelling sensation: A feeling of hand swelling without visible swelling.
• Night symptoms: Sufferers wake up at night with tingling or numbness, often shaking their hands to relieve discomfort.
Common Reasons Behind the Symptoms
Common causes and contributing factors include:
• Repetitive hand and wrist movements: Continuous flexion (bending the hand downward towards the forearm) or extension (bending the hand upwards away from the forearm) increases tendon friction and swelling.
• Wrist position: Prolonged wrist flexion or extension narrows the tunnel and increases nerve pressure.
• Medical conditions: Diabetes, under active thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, and obesity can increase the risk of nerve compression.
• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy and menopause may cause fluid retention, increasing tunnel pressure.
• Injury or structural changes: Wrist fractures, dislocations, or arthritis can alter the tunnel’s anatomy.
• Workplace ergonomics: Poor workstation setup or use of vibrating tools can contribute to CTS development.
How to Manage Carpal Tunnel Symptoms
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and underlying causes. Common approaches include:
• Activity modification: Reducing repetitive wrist motions and improving ergonomics.
• Wrist brace: Wearing a neutral-position wrist support brace, especially at night, to relieve nerve pressure.
• Anti-inflammatory measures: Using ice packs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling.
• Physical therapy: Stretching and nerve-gliding exercises to improve mobility and reduce compression.
• Medical treatments: Corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation in the tunnel.
• Surgical intervention: Carpal tunnel release surgery may be considered if symptoms persist after conservative treatment.
How Wearing a Support Brace Can Help
Wrist braces are a key non-invasive tool for managing CTS by reducing median nerve compression. Benefits include:
• Neutral wrist positioning: Braces keep the wrist in a straight, neutral position, maximising tunnel space and reducing nerve pressure.
• Night time symptom control: Wearing a brace during sleep prevents prolonged wrist flexion that often worsens night symptoms.
• Activity support: Braces provide external stability during repetitive hand use, reducing tendon irritation.
• Pain relief: Maintaining proper alignment helps decrease inflammation and nerve irritation, leading to less pain and tingling.
• Facilitated healing: Reduced strain on tendons and nerves creates a better environment for tissue recovery.
• Prevention of worsening: Regular use during aggravating activities can slow symptom progression and reduce the risk of chronic damage.
Best wrist supports from OPPO Health for helping to manage carpal tunnel syndrome include the following, click on the image or title for more details:
Agility Stabilised Wrist Support Brace AccuTex Wrist Stabiliser
Exercises for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Exercise can complement bracing and other treatments by improving mobility, reducing nerve irritation, and maintaining hand function:
- Wrist flexor stretch: Extend your arm with palm facing up, gently pull fingers back with the opposite hand, holding for 15–30 seconds.
- Wrist extensor stretch: Extend your arm with palm facing down, gently push fingers down and toward the body.
- Finger stretches: Spread your fingers wide apart, hold for 5 seconds, then relax.
Grip strengthening: Squeeze a soft stress ball for 3–5 seconds, avoiding pain. - Median nerve glides: Start with your arm at your side, elbow bent, palm facing up; slowly extend your elbow and wrist while extending your fingers until a gentle stretch is felt.
As with any injury and the use of an orthopaedic support, we recommend a medical professional is consulted to ensure correct diagnosis with a suitable treatment programme and a support which is suitable for the specific condition.
