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Condition guide · Hand & wrist

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Numbness, tingling and night pain in the hand — what it is, why it happens, and how we can help.

Wrist examination at Bridge House Clinic
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve is squeezed as it passes through a narrow tunnel in your wrist.

It's one of the most common nerve problems and usually builds up gradually. The good news: it's very treatable, especially when caught early.

01Symptoms

Symptoms of carpal tunnel.

They usually build up gradually — and tend to be worse at night.

01Numbness & tinglingIn the thumb, index and middle fingers — often the first thing people notice.
02Pain at nightWakes you from sleep — many patients describe their hand "on fire".
03A weak gripDropping things, struggling with buttons or a phone.
04Worse with everyday tasksHolding a phone, driving, or first thing in the morning.
Sound familiar?Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — usually the same or next week.
02Causes & risk factors

Why it happens.

Often there's no single cause, but some things make it more likely. It can affect one or both hands.

Repetitive hand use
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Thyroid problems
Arthritis
Family history
03When to get it checked

Don't wait for it to settle.

Early treatment helps avoid permanent nerve damage. See a specialist if:

I.Symptoms wake you at nightNight pain that disturbs sleep is a sign the nerve is under real pressure.
II.It hasn't settled within a few weeksPersistent symptoms rarely resolve on their own.
III.Your hand feels weak — or looks wastedDropping things, or visible muscle loss at the base of the thumb, needs prompt attention.
Book an assessment
Hand examination by a consultant
Nerve conduction study at Bridge House Clinic
04How it's diagnosed

Confirmed with a nerve conduction study.

The most reliable way to confirm carpal tunnel is a nerve conduction study, which we perform on-site. It measures how well the nerve is working and rules out other causes.

About nerve conduction studies
05Treatment

How carpal tunnel is treated.

We start with the least invasive option that will work for you.

01Splinting

A night splint can ease mild symptoms by keeping the wrist in a neutral position.

02Steroid injection

Quick, non-surgical relief — a good next step if splinting isn't enough.

03Surgery

Open or keyhole release for lasting results when symptoms persist.

See carpal tunnel treatment options & pricesFull details on injection, open and keyhole release — with every price published.
Why Bridge House
I.
Same or next-week appointments

Seen in days — not months.

II.
On-site nerve testing

Diagnosis confirmed by NCS, here.

III.
Keyhole surgery option

Rarely available locally.

IV.
Consultant-led

A named specialist, all the way through.

V.
Transparent pricing

Every price published upfront.

07FAQ

Common questions.

Each answer links to a fuller guide in our advice section.

Does carpal tunnel go away on its own? +

Mild cases can settle, especially if triggered by pregnancy. But persistent symptoms usually need treatment to stop them progressing. Read more →

Is carpal tunnel permanent? +

Not if treated in time. Left untreated, the pressure can cause lasting nerve damage and muscle wasting — which is why early assessment matters. Read more →

Can it come back after surgery? +

Recurrence is uncommon after a proper release. Most patients get lasting relief.

Can I get it in both hands? +

Yes — it often affects both hands, though usually one is worse than the other.

Take the first step

Stop waiting for it to settle.

Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — and a plan.