Wrist pain keeping you up at night? Discover the signs of carpal tunnel syndrome and explore treatment options for lasting relief.
Updated July 7, 2026
Contributed by: Kyle Chepla, MD / Plastic Surgery
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Surgery Options
Do your hands or fingers tingle? Do you wake up at night with wrist pain or numbness in your hand? You may have carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition that affects the wrist.
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when a nerve in your wrist becomes squeezed. Without treatment, symptoms can get worse over time and may affect your ability to do everyday tasks.
“It’s a problem you don’t want to ignore,” said Kyle J. Chepla, MD, a surgeon with MetroHealth’s Hand and Upper Extremity Center. That’s because the condition usually worsens over time, making many daily tasks, like driving, more difficult. “Once there is a certain degree of nerve injury, the tingling sensation may never go away completely, and you may have permanent muscle loss and weakness in your hand.”
The good news is that treatment can help. In many cases, symptoms improve with simple treatments or a short outpatient procedure.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
A nerve called the median nerve runs through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. When that nerve is compressed, it can cause symptoms in your hand and fingers.
Common Symptoms
You may notice:
- Tingling in your fingers
- Numbness in your hand
- Pain in your wrist or hand
- A feeling that your fingers are swollen
- Weakness in your hand
- Symptoms that are worse at night
Many people say their fingers feel thick, swollen, or even like they are touching sandpaper.
Who Is at Risk?
Some people are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, including those who:
- Are over age 40
- Are pregnant
- Have diabetes
- Have hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid)
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider may be able to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome based on your symptoms and medical history.
If needed, a specialist may perform tests to see how well the nerve is working and to rule out other conditions that can cause numbness or tingling.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are. Many people find relief with nonsurgical treatments such as:
- Wearing a wrist splint or brace
- Limiting activities that trigger symptoms
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines
- Receiving steroid injections recommended by a healthcare provider
In some cases, symptoms may improve when an underlying condition is treated. For example, symptoms related to pregnancy often go away after delivery. Managing diabetes or thyroid disease may also help.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Carpal tunnel syndrome often gets worse over time. If other treatments do not help, surgery may be recommended.
Carpal tunnel surgery is a common outpatient procedure that usually takes about 15 minutes. During surgery:
- The hand and wrist are numbed.
- A small incision is made near the base of the hand.
- The tissue pressing on the nerve is released.
- The incision is closed and bandaged.
Most patients go home the same day and can move their fingers right away. Many notice improvement within weeks, although recovery time can vary.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
If you have numbness, tingling, or wrist pain, talk with your healthcare provider. Early treatment may help prevent long-term nerve damage and hand weakness.
If hand or wrist symptoms are affecting your daily life, a hand specialist can help determine the cause and recommend the best treatment options for you.
Do you think you may have carpal tunnel syndrome?
Call 216-778-HAND (4263) to make an appointment. For more information, visit metrohealth.org/hand-wrist.
Your Questions Answered
Q. How do I know if I have carpal tunnel syndrome?
A. Common symptoms include tingling, numbness, burning, or pain in the hand and fingers. Many people notice symptoms at night or wake up with numb hands. You may also have weakness when gripping objects.
Q. Can carpal tunnel syndrome go away without surgery?
A. Yes. Mild symptoms often improve with treatments such as wearing a wrist splint, avoiding activities that trigger symptoms, taking anti-inflammatory medications, or receiving steroid injections. Your healthcare provider can help determine the best treatment for you.
Q. What happens if carpal tunnel syndrome is left untreated?
A. Without treatment, carpal tunnel syndrome can get worse over time. Severe cases may lead to permanent nerve damage, ongoing numbness, muscle loss, and weakness in the hand. Early treatment may help prevent long-term problems.
