A Simple Guide to Musculoskeletal Injuries
At Clinicaltrauma.com, you’ll find easy‑to‑understand explanations about sprains, fractures, tendinitis, and osteoarthritis. We break down symptoms, common causes, and treatment options so you can better understand your joint pain and feel more confident when talking to your specialist.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you notice tingling in your hand or your fingers fall asleep at night, you may have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome. In this article, I’ll explain in simple terms what it is, the symptoms that usually appear, why it can happen, and when it’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional
What symptoms usually appear?
The most common symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:
- Tingling in the palm of the hand
- Numbness in the fingertips
- A feeling of weakness or clumsiness when gripping or handling objects
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms or with the same intensity, but these signs are typical of median nerve compression.
A very characteristic feature of this condition is that symptoms often worsen at night. While sleeping, we tend to adopt wrist positions that increase pressure inside the carpal tunnel. This can wake you up due to discomfort, and symptoms usually improve when you move your wrist or change position.
Why does it happen?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can have many causes or contributing factors. Some of the most common include:
- Repetitive wrist movements (manual work, computer use, vibrating tools)
- Conditions that cause inflammation of the tendons or wrist tissues (such as rheumatoid arthritis)
- Fluid retention, which may occur during pregnancy or with certain hormonal conditions
- Previous wrist injuries or fractures that have altered the space inside the carpal tunnel
For many people, it appears due to a combination of factors: type of work, posture, individual predisposition, and more.
It is very common during pregnancy. It is estimated that 1 in 5 pregnant women experience it, and one prospective study found symptoms in up to 65% of women in their third trimester. It also tends to be bilateral during pregnancy.
The causes linked to pregnancy include hormonal changes that lead to fluid retention and swelling in the musculoskeletal system, as well as gestational diabetes, which can also increase the risk.
Several studies have found a statistically significant association between preeclampsia and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during pregnancy.
When should you see a healthcare professional?
It’s advisable to seek medical evaluation if:
- Tingling, pain, or numbness are constant, wake you up at night, or interfere with daily activities
- You notice progressive loss of strength or reduced muscle bulk in the hand
- Symptoms worsen over time instead of improving, or if they stop being position‑dependent and become constant
A proper diagnosis is essential. Since this syndrome can share symptoms with other conditions, evaluation by an orthopedic specialist or another healthcare professional is recommended.
If a diagnostic test is needed, nerve conduction studies—such as an electromyogram—can be helpful, although they should never replace a thorough clinical examination.
What can generally help?
Without going into specific treatments (which must be recommended by a professional after assessing your case), many people benefit from:
- Keeping the wrist in a neutral position whenever possible, avoiding prolonged flexion or extension
- Taking frequent breaks if you perform repetitive hand tasks (keyboard, mouse, manual tools)
- Using nighttime wrist splints if recommended by a professional, to keep the wrist in a more relaxed position during sleep
- Improving workplace ergonomics (chair height, keyboard and mouse position). A viscoelastic wrist rest can help prevent excessive wrist extension without adding pressure
- Asking a healthcare professional about specific mobility and stretching exercises for the hand and wrist. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers a helpful guide for wrist and hand exercise