Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Diagnosis and treatment of median nerve compression at the wrist, Lahore, Pakistan

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm side of the wrist, bounded by small wrist bones and a tough ligament. The median nerve — which supplies sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger, and controls some of the small muscles at the base of the thumb — passes through this tunnel along with several tendons.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when swelling or thickening within this confined space compresses the median nerve, disrupting its normal function. It is one of the most common peripheral nerve conditions, and while it can affect anyone, it is more frequent in people who perform repetitive hand movements, and in conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and pregnancy.

Dr. Waqas Mehdi, FCPS Neurosurgeon at MidCity Hospital Lahore, manages peripheral nerve conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome — from clinical diagnosis and conservative treatment through to surgical release when needed.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

!Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers

!Symptoms often worse at night, sometimes waking you from sleep

!Weak grip or a tendency to drop objects

!A sensation of swelling in the fingers, even when no swelling is visible

!Pain that may radiate up the forearm

!Difficulty with fine tasks like buttoning a shirt or holding a phone

!Muscle wasting at the base of the thumb (in advanced, longstanding cases)

!Relief from shaking or repositioning the hand

Diagnosis

Clinical Examination: Specific bedside tests (such as Tinel's sign and Phalen's test) reproduce symptoms by tapping over or flexing the wrist, supporting the diagnosis alongside the symptom pattern described by the patient.

Nerve Conduction Study / EMG: The key confirmatory test — measures how well electrical signals travel through the median nerve at the wrist, confirming the diagnosis and grading its severity.

Ultrasound of the Wrist: Can show swelling of the median nerve at the wrist and is increasingly used alongside nerve conduction studies.

Blood Tests: Sometimes checked to identify an underlying contributing cause, such as diabetes or thyroid dysfunction.

Treatment Options

Wrist Splinting

A neutral-position wrist splint, worn especially at night, reduces pressure on the median nerve and is often the first treatment tried for mild to moderate symptoms.

Activity Modification & Physiotherapy

Adjusting repetitive hand movements, ergonomic changes at work, and nerve-gliding exercises can help reduce symptom severity.

Corticosteroid Injection

An injection into the carpal tunnel can provide temporary but often significant relief, and can also help confirm the diagnosis when the response is dramatic.

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

For moderate-to-severe cases, or those not responding to conservative treatment, surgical division of the transverse carpal ligament relieves pressure on the nerve. Performed as a day procedure, via open or endoscopic technique, with high rates of symptom improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common nerve compression condition in which the median nerve — which runs from the forearm into the hand through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel — becomes compressed, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.

Who treats carpal tunnel syndrome in Lahore?

Dr. Waqas Mehdi, FCPS Neurosurgeon and Assistant Professor at KEMU/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, treats carpal tunnel syndrome and other peripheral nerve entrapment conditions, from conservative management to surgical release.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Common symptoms include numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger; hand weakness, especially gripping objects; a tendency to drop things; and symptoms that are often worse at night, sometimes waking the person from sleep.

Can carpal tunnel syndrome be treated without surgery?

Yes, mild to moderate cases often respond well to wrist splinting (especially at night), activity modification, and sometimes a steroid injection into the carpal tunnel. Surgery is generally considered when symptoms are severe, persistent despite conservative treatment, or when there is evidence of muscle wasting or nerve damage.

What does carpal tunnel release surgery involve?

Carpal tunnel release surgery divides the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel, relieving pressure on the median nerve. It can be performed as open or endoscopic surgery, usually as a day procedure under local or regional anaesthesia, with a high rate of symptom improvement.

Hand Numbness or Tingling at Night?

Don't wait for permanent nerve damage or muscle wasting. Consult Dr. Waqas Mehdi for an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan. MidCity Hospital, Lahore — Mon to Sat, 6–8 PM.

Call: 0300-8482624 Book Appointment

Related Conditions & Services

Neuro Pain Management Neck Pain Sciatica About Dr. Waqas Mehdi

Consult Dr. Waqas Mehdi Today

Pakistan's trusted neurosurgeon for brain tumor surgery, spine surgery, and all complex neurological conditions. Book your appointment at MidCity Hospital, Lahore.

Call: 0300-8482624 Book Appointment Online