Numbness, tingling or pain in your wrist or hand may be symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a common condition that affects the hand. It occurs when a nerve in your wrist gets squeezed as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow opening between bones and ligament. This pressure on the nerve cuts off sensation in the fingers and hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: What you need to know

• The affected nerve is called the median nerve, which provides feeling in most of your fingers.
• With the added pressure on the nerve, many patients feel symptoms of tingling or “pins and needles” in their fingers and hand.
• Patients may also experience pain in the lower arm and notice some difficulty with delicate movements such as writing or picking up small objects.
• Risk factors include repetitive movements at work and play as well as conditions that cause fluid retention or soft tissue swelling. Anyone can get carpal tunnel syndrome, although the risk increases with age.
• Diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome includes a thorough history and physical examination of the wrist and hand for symptoms and signs of the condition. A diagnosis may also be confirmed with nerve conduction studies and an EMG, or electromyography study, to evaluate the health of your nerves and muscles.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: Our expertise

Today, patients have more treatment options than in the past. Our accomplished physicians at UF Health Jacksonville will perform a comprehensive evaluation and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. They have a reputation for successfully treating hundreds of patients each year.

Nonsurgical treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve hand function:

• Use of a wrist brace and anti-inflammatory pain relievers
• Physical or occupational therapy
• Steroid injections

Carpal tunnel release surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve:

Your care team may recommend surgery if your symptoms are severe or have not responded well to nonsurgical treatments. As specialists who are nationally respected leaders in their fields, they have years of experience and use advanced surgical approaches to provide you with the best possible outcomes.

• Our surgeons specialize in minimally invasive techniques that are performed as outpatient procedures with minimum anesthesia and small incisions.
• Carpal tunnel release surgery typically provides immediate relief from discomfort.
• After the procedure, patients report they are pleased with the results and are often able to return to regular activity in less than one week.