Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes, Symptoms, and How to Overcome It

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Recent data confirm it remains the most common entrapment neuropathy worldwide, affecting ~4—5 % of the population. Modern lifestyle changes, including prolonged smartphone and computer use and increasingly sedentary habits, are now recognised as major contributors to rising CTS incidence.

Several factors can contribute to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, including:

• Repetitive hand and wrist movements (e.g., prolonged typing, assembly-line work, gaming).
• Prolonged smartphone and tablet use that keeps the wrist in flexed positions and requires repetitive thumb movements.
• Extended daily computer use (>12 h) and poor ergonomic set‑up, shown to nearly quintuple CTS risk.
• Wrist injuries such as fractures or sprains that alter tunnel anatomy.
• Systemic conditions (diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, pregnancy‑related oedema).
• Genetic factors – naturally narrower carpal tunnels.
• Lifestyle factors – obesity, smoking, and low physical activity.

Symptoms usually start gradually and worsen over time: tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger; nocturnal pain; hand weakness and frequent object‑dropping; and pain radiating to the forearm or shoulder.

• Persistent or worsening tingling, numbness, or pain, especially at night.
• Weak grip strength or frequent dropping of objects.
• Symptoms persisting beyond six weeks of self‑care (rest, splinting).
• Pain extending proximally to the elbow or shoulder.

• Optimise ergonomics: keep wrists neutral, keyboards low, and screens at eye level.
• Limit continuous device use to ≤30‑minute blocks; schedule 5‑minute micro‑breaks.
• Perform wrist and finger stretches every hour.
• Maintain healthy weight, manage blood glucose, and stay physically active.
• Consider voice‑to‑text or external keyboards for heavy smartphone users.

The 2024 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Clinical Practice Guideline recommends a step‑wise approach:

• First‑line (up to 6 weeks): Nocturnal neutral‑position splinting and activity modification.
• Adjuncts: One corticosteroid injection provides strong short‑term symptom relief; ultrasound therapy may help (moderate evidence).
• Medications: NSAIDs for pain; gabapentinoids **not** recommended for isolated CTS.
• Surgery: Endoscopic or limited‑incision open carpal tunnel release is indicated after ≥6 weeks of unsuccessful conservative care or in severe cases with constant numbness/weakness. Both techniques have comparable long‑term outcomes; endoscopic release enables slightly faster return to work.

Early recognition and guideline‑based treatment restore function in most patients. Incorporating digital‑device breaks and regular exercise into daily routines is increasingly important to curb the modern surge of CTS.