Carpal tunnel syndrome is a neurological disorder caused by pressure on the median nerve inside your wrist. This nerve carries sensation and movement to your thumb, index, and middle fingers.

When surrounding flexor tendons become overworked or irritated, they swell and press on the nerve—leading to pain, tingling, and numbness. This is known as a repetitive stress injury.

Common triggers include:

• Repetitive wrist or finger motions
  
• Typing or gripping for long periods
  
• Poor wrist posture during sleep or work
  
• Hormonal or metabolic conditions (like thyroid disease or diabetes)

The result is inflammation, swelling, and ultimately nerve compression—causing the hallmark symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component. But even without genetics, anyone who performs repetitive hand activities is at risk.

High-risk occupations and hobbies include:

• Dental hygienists and hairdressers/stylists
• Graphic designers and guitar players
• Knitters and artists
• Transcriptionists and video gamers

While carpal tunnel syndrome isn’t technically curable, it can be effectively managed. Most patients achieve lasting relief with consistent, nonsurgical therapy.

Before testing, be aware of these classic carpal tunnel symptoms:

• Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
  
• Burning or electric shock sensations
  
• Weak grip and hand clumsiness
  
• Pain that worsens at night
  
• Swelling or stiffness in the palm

Symptoms usually begin mildly—often waking you at night—and may progress to daytime pain and weakness. In advanced cases, patients lose sensitivity to heat and cold,  The pain or numbness intensifies to the point of being described as "cruel" or "crushing". Weakness and loss of dexterity becomes progressively worse. When symptoms are constant and severe it's considered severe stage carpal tunnel syndrome. In 88% of cases, both hands are affected (bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome).

The first step is the manual provocative tests, which intentionally “provoke” your symptoms to confirm the diagnosis. These are the same tests doctors perform in their offices and can be done at home with a partner.

If one or more of these tests trigger numbness, tingling, or pain, it strongly suggests carpal tunnel syndrome.

If self-tests are positive, your doctor may confirm results with electrodiagnostic exams—specifically, nerve conduction and electromyography (EMG) tests.

These help evaluate the speed and strength of nerve signals traveling through your wrist.

If your test results are positive, start therapy immediately. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends trying nonsurgical treatments first, since they are effective in up to 90% of patients.

In contrast, about half of all carpal tunnel surgery patients report incomplete relief or symptom recurrence within two years. The reasons for these poor results is either the patient did not respond to surgery, or they were misdiagnosed (which occurs in over 70% of cases).

Testing for carpal tunnel syndrome typically occurs in two phases:

1. Provocative self-tests (Phalen, Tinel, Durkan)
   
2. Electrodiagnostic exams (nerve conduction and EMG)

If your tests are positive, don’t delay treatment. Early nonsurgical therapies—like rest, night bracing, stretching, and massage—can resolve most cases completely and prevent the need for surgery.

1. Can I test myself for carpal tunnel at home?

Yes. The Phalen, Tinel, and Durkan tests are simple self-checks that can reliably indicate carpal tunnel syndrome if they trigger numbness or tingling.

2. Are EMG and nerve conduction tests painful?

They may feel mildly uncomfortable but are not painful. These tests help confirm the diagnosis by measuring nerve signal speed and strength.

3. Can carpal tunnel heal without surgery?

In most cases, yes. With consistent nonsurgical care—such as night bracing, rest, and stretching—up to 90% of patients recover fully without an operation.