What it is
It is more common in pregnancy, with repetitive hand movements, and with conditions such as diabetes, an underactive thyroid and rheumatoid arthritis.
Wrist splints worn at night and steroid injections help many people. If symptoms are severe or the hand muscles weaken, a small operation to release the nerve usually works well.
Common signs
- Tingling or numbness in the thumb and first fingers
- Pain in the hand or wrist, often at night
- A weak grip or dropping things
- Shaking the hand to relieve symptoms
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions and examination of the hand
- Nerve conduction studies
- Ultrasound in some cases
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Nerve conduction study reports
- Notes on splints and injections and how much they helped
- Operation notes, if any
Questions to ask your doctor
- How severe is the nerve compression?
- Should I try a splint or an injection first?
- Is there an underlying condition to check for?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the hand or arm with face or speech changes: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.