Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause nighttime hand tingling, numbness or weakness. Learn how it is evaluated with Dr. Tortland in Glastonbury, CT.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, causing numbness, tingling or pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers—often worse at night. Care may start with night splinting and activity changes. Ultrasound-guided nerve hydrodissection may be considered in selected cases; persistent numbness or weakness needs prompt evaluation.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Elbow, wrist and hand condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: After assessing median-nerve symptoms and severity, Dr. Tortland may consider ultrasound-guided nerve hydrodissection for selected patients. Evidence for hydrodissection varies, and progressive nerve damage or muscle weakness may call for a different pathway rather than repeated injections.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Traditional treatment often starts with a neutral-position wrist splint at night and changes to activities that aggravate symptoms. A clinician may consider a corticosteroid injection or nerve testing; hand therapy may help with ergonomic adjustments.

When other care may be needed: Persistent numbness, thumb weakness, dropping objects, or muscle wasting warrants timely evaluation. More severe or progressive cases may need a hand-surgery consultation for carpal tunnel release.

Common questions

Questions about carpal tunnel syndrome

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. Contributors include wrist anatomy, swelling, pregnancy, diabetes, thyroid disease and repetitive hand positions. Nighttime numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers is common and deserves assessment if persistent.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Typical symptoms are numbness, tingling, or pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, often worse at night or with gripping. Persistent numbness or hand weakness should be evaluated promptly.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Initial non-surgical options often include a neutral-position wrist splint at night, changes to aggravating activities and, in selected cases, a guided injection. Nerve testing can help assess severity. Persistent numbness, thumb weakness or muscle wasting warrants timely specialist evaluation.

What regenerative options may help carpal tunnel syndrome?

Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection of the median nerve may be discussed for selected patients, but evidence and results vary. It is not a substitute for assessing nerve severity; progressive weakness, muscle wasting or persistent numbness may require a hand-surgery consultation.