If you notice tingling in your thumb, index and middle finger, especially at night or when using a computer, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. It is the most common nerve compression in the body and is closely linked to certain jobs and daily habits.
What the carpal tunnel is
The carpal tunnel is a narrow channel on the palm side of the wrist through which the finger flexor tendons and the median nerve pass. When the space narrows or the tissues swell, the nerve is compressed and symptoms appear.
Most common symptoms
- Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger.
- Symptoms that worsen at night and improve when shaking the hand.
- Clumsiness or weakness when picking up small objects.
- Pain that may travel up the forearm.
Who is most at risk
- Jobs with repeated wrist movements or sustained gripping: keyboard work, assembly lines, hairdressing, cleaning, cooking.
- Using vibrating tools.
- Pregnancy, menopause, diabetes or hypothyroidism.
- Sustained positions with the wrist very bent or extended.
Prevention at work
Small changes to your workstation make a big difference. If you work at a computer, also see our guide to workplace ergonomics.
- Keep your wrist in a neutral position when typing, without resting the heel of your hand on the desk edge.
- Adjust your chair height so your elbows are at about 90 degrees.
- Use a mouse that fits your hand and switch sides if you can.
- Take micro-breaks every 30 to 45 minutes to move your hands and stretch.
- Avoid unnecessary grip force and use tools with suitable handles.
Useful exercises
- Tendon glides: with a straight wrist, move through five hand positions (open, hook, full fist, tabletop and straight fist). 10 repetitions, several times a day.
- Median nerve glide: with your arm out and palm up, gently take the wrist back and tilt your head to the opposite side, without causing pain. 10 repetitions.
- Wrist flexor stretch, 20 to 30 seconds.
Treatment
In mild and moderate cases, physiotherapy, neutral-position night splints and activity changes usually give good results. Manual therapy and nerve gliding exercises help improve symptoms. If there is weakness or wasting of the thumb muscles, other options should be assessed with a specialist.
Physiotherapy and occupational health for carpal tunnel in Gines
If you have tingling hands or wrist pain related to your work, we assess your case and your workstation to reduce symptoms and stop them progressing. At Therapeía Fisioterapia we see patients at Avenida de Europa 3G in Gines (Seville), just minutes from Bormujos, Espartinas, Castilleja de la Cuesta, Valencina and the rest of the Aljarafe area. After a full assessment we design a physiotherapy plan tailored to you. You can meet our physiotherapy team or book an appointment by calling +34 624 244 420.
For more information from a reliable source, see MedlinePlus, the U.S. National Library of Medicine health encyclopedia, on carpal tunnel syndrome.
Frequently asked questions about carpal tunnel syndrome
Why is carpal tunnel worse at night?
During sleep we tend to bend the wrist, increasing pressure in the tunnel. A neutral-position night splint usually helps a lot.
Can carpal tunnel be cured without surgery?
In mild and moderate cases, yes, with physiotherapy, splints and activity changes. Surgery is reserved for severe cases or those that do not improve.
Does heavy computer use cause carpal tunnel?
It can contribute, especially with sustained poor wrist positions, although more than one factor is usually involved.
