Orthopaedic services
Carpal tunnel syndrome and surgery
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness, pins and needles, night waking and weakness in the hand. Assessment helps confirm whether symptoms fit carpal tunnel syndrome and whether non-operative care, further tests or surgery should be discussed.
In brief
- Symptoms commonly affect the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers.
- Night symptoms and hand weakness are common reasons for referral.
- Surgery may be discussed where symptoms and findings are consistent.
Common reasons for referral
Pins and needles
Tingling or numbness may occur at night, with driving, phone use or repeated hand positions.
Night waking
Symptoms may disturb sleep and improve when the hand is shaken or repositioned.
Weakness
Some people notice clumsiness, dropping objects or reduced thumb strength.
What assessment involves
Assessment includes discussion of symptoms, hand function, work or activity demands, medical conditions and previous treatment. Examination looks for signs that fit median nerve compression at the wrist.
Nerve tests may be considered if the diagnosis is uncertain or if severity needs clarification.
Information that helps the assessment
Nerve test results, referral notes, current medicines and treatment already tried are useful when available.
Treatment options
Options may include splinting, activity changes, addressing contributing health factors, injection in selected situations or monitoring where symptoms are mild. The right option depends on severity, duration and impact.
When surgery or a procedure may be discussed
Carpal tunnel surgery may be discussed when symptoms, examination findings and any relevant tests are consistent, especially where symptoms are persistent, worsening or affecting sleep and hand function.
Recovery and next steps
If surgery is chosen, recovery includes wound care, gradual hand use and monitoring of symptoms. Improvement varies depending on severity and how long the nerve has been compressed.
Funding requirements depend on the funder and clinical situation.
Make an appointment enquiry
For non-urgent appointment or referral questions, please contact the clinic.
Patient information
A one-page summary is available for patients and referrers. It is general information only and does not replace personalised advice.