Specialised treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS refers to the painful condition affecting the wrist and hand.
The carpal tunnel is formed by the wrist bones and the carpal tunnel ligament. The median nerve (which supplies sensation to the thumb, index and middle fingers) and the tendons (which allow movement of the hand and fingers) pass through the carpal tunnel.
More commonly affecting women than men, CTS occurs when there is compression or pinching of the median nerve.
carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) frequently asked questions
What are the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
The most common signs of CTS include:
- Pain in the hand, wrist and arm often felt during the night
- Grip weakness and reduced ability to grasp small objects
- Numbness and tingling in the hand
- Pins and needles
What are the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Common causes of CTS include:
- Trauma or injury such as a fracture or sprain
- Fluid retention during pregnancy
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
In many cases there is no obvious reason for the onset of symptoms. With only a small amount of available space in the carpal tunnel, any swelling of the surrounding tissue can cause median nerve compression.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
Your doctor will conduct an examination and take a detailed history to establish signs, symptoms and risk factors and to rule out any underlying injury.
If required, a nerve conduction study (NCS) or electromyogram (EMG) may be arranged to check for abnormalities in nerve function.
What are treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Depending on the severity of symptoms and the stage of disease, conservative treatment options may include:
- Resting the hands from repetitive activities
- Ice packs to reduce any swelling
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication
- Wrist splints worn at night to stabilise the wrist in a neutral position during sleep
- A steroid injection into the carpal tunnel to decrease inflammation and reduce pain.
Surgical treatment may be considered where symptoms are severe. This commonly performed procedure is done by cutting the ligament which forms the roof of the carpal tunnel to increase space and reduce the pressure on the median nerve.
A Carpal Tunnel Release can be an ‘open’ procedure where an incision is made in the palm of the hand or via an endoscope where a smaller incision is made through which a tiny camera and instruments are inserted to release the nerve. Most people experience a significant improvement after surgery although it is not uncommon to have some residual numbness, weakness or pain. In most instances this will resolve, however in a small number of cases some numbness may be permanent. Following surgery your doctor will give you guidelines for returning to your normal activities. It may be several weeks or even months before you are able to use your hands without restriction.
Hand elbow & wrist treatments
Carpal Tunnel Release
Carpal tunnel release is a surgery performed to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. It aims to relieve symptoms by decreasing pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve provides nerve signals to the thumb and sensation to the palm side of
Elbow Arthroscopy
Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery performed using a tiny device called arthroscope. The elbow is the joint that connects the upper arm bone and the forearm bones. Elbow joint helps in movement of the arms forward, backward, as
Wrist Reconstruction Surgery
‘Wrist reconstruction’ can refer to a number of surgical procedures, including wrist ligament reconstruction, tendon transfer, wrist joint fusion, and any combination of these. Most commonly, it refers to a wrist joint replacement surgery. Due to the versatility of its
Why Orthopaedics SA?
Comprehensive care
From arthritis to sports injuries, we treat a full spectrum of bone and joint conditions to keep you moving.
Expert surgeons
Our highly trained doctors have years of experience delivering precise and effective treatments.
SA’s largest practice
With 23 specialists, we offer unmatched expertise and evidence-based care for every patient.
Multiple locations
We have multiple clinics across South Australia, making it simple to find expert care nearby.
Patient-centric approach
We prioritise understanding your condition to ensure every treatment recommendation feels right for you.
Reliable support
Our team of nurses and administrative staff works behind the scenes to make your experience smooth and stress-free.
Meet our doctors
Our surgeons are highly qualified to offer personalised treatments tailored to your needs. We take the time to listen, explain your options, and ensure every decision is made with your well-being in mind.
We take responsibility for our patient’s experience
From your initial consultation to follow-up care, our team will guide you through every step of your treatment. Your specialist will provide a detailed recovery plan, including physical therapy to restore function and prevent future injuries.