Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms and Physiotherapy

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. Symptoms may include tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger, often worse at night, while holding a phone, driving or performing repetitive hand tasks.

Night waking, the need to shake the hand, reduced grip, dropping objects and difficulty with buttons or writing may occur. Advanced cases can involve weakness at the base of the thumb.

Not all hand numbness is carpal tunnel syndrome. Cervical radiculopathy, forearm nerve disorders and systemic conditions can mimic it.

PhysioTech reviews symptom timing and work demands, then examines sensation, thumb and grip strength, wrist movement and the cervical region. A cluster of findings is more useful than one test. Nerve-conduction studies may be requested by a doctor when severity or diagnosis is uncertain or surgery is considered.

Management may include task modification, wrist-position education, an appropriate night splint, carefully dosed nerve and tendon gliding, and progressive hand and forearm strength. Manual therapy may support selected restrictions. Passive devices do not replace load management and active care.

We track night symptoms, sensation, grip, sleep and work function. If neurological loss progresses, we do not continue ineffective sessions; we coordinate medical or hand-surgery review.

Seek prompt review for increasing weakness, thenar wasting, persistent sensory loss, trauma, or symptoms associated with neck pain and wider weakness. Severe or non-responsive cases may need injection or surgery after specialist assessment.

If numbness disturbs sleep or grip, book an assessment at PhysioTech in Maadi to identify the source and build a measurable plan.

Note: Educational content only; it does not replace diagnosis.