Do I Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? CTS Causes and How It’s Treated

A woman holding a painful wrist, possibly because of carpal tunnel syndrome

Key takeaways:

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling, numbness, pain, and weakened grip, but other conditions can cause similar issues.
Early physiotherapy can relieve pressure, restore function, and prevent long-term nerve damage.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of those conditions that might seem minor—after all, it’s just the wrist, not an internal organ.

But anyone who has had CTS will tell you how much of a negative impact it can have on one’s quality of life.

Pain, weakness, and overall impaired function in one hand can make day to day life difficult, and in some cases can make doing your job impossible.

If you’re having symptoms that sound like carpal tunnel syndrome and are curious if that’s what you have—or worry that you may be prone to it and would like to prevent it—keep reading.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general education purposes only and is not meant to replace the advice of healthcare professionals. If you are experiencing symptoms, consult a doctor.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist made up of bones and ligaments. Through it runs the median nerve, which controls sensation and muscle function in your thumb and fingers (except the little finger).

When this tunnel becomes compressed or inflamed, it puts pressure on the median nerve — leading to the symptoms we know as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can develop for a few different reasons—sometimes it’s due to your job or hobbies, sometimes it’s the result of underlying health conditions, and sometimes it just sneaks up over time.

Here are some common contributors:

Repetitive hand or wrist movements, like typing, using tools, or working on an assembly line
Prolonged wrist positions, especially when bent for long periods
Pregnancy or hormonal changes, which can increase fluid retention and pressure in the wrist
Arthritis or inflammation in the wrist joint
Medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders

A digital artist, who may be prone to carpal tunnel syndrome

People who work with their hands a lot (such as artists) are prone to carpal tunnel syndrome.

How do I know if I have carpal tunnel syndrome? What are the symptoms?

Carpal tunnel syndrome tends to develop gradually. You might first notice symptoms at night, or when you’ve been working with your hands for a long time.

Common signs include:

Tingling, burning, or numbness in your wrist or fingers
Weakness in your grip or trouble holding objects
Pain or discomfort that travels up your forearm

If you’re waking up at night needing to “shake out” your hands, that’s a classic early symptom.

That said, it’s important to note that having these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have carpal tunnel syndrome, as there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

Conditions that may present similarly to carpal tunnel syndrome include:

Arthritis
Cervical radiculopathy (an irritation of a nerve in the cervical spine)
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Tendonitis

Why Early Treatment Matters

Carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t usually go away on its own. Ignoring it can lead to ongoing nerve irritation, muscle weakness, and long-term loss of hand function.

But the earlier you address it, the better your chances of a full recovery without needing surgery.
That’s where physiotherapy can make a huge difference.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy for carpal tunnel syndrome focuses on reducing pressure on the median nerve, improving mobility, and strengthening the surrounding muscles and tissues to support long-term recovery.

Comprehensive assessment to identify the root cause — we don’t just treat the wrist, we look at your posture, shoulder, neck, and overall movement patterns.
Manual therapy and soft tissue release to ease tension and improve circulation in the wrist and forearm.
Nerve gliding exercises to help the median nerve move more freely within the carpal tunnel.
Targeted strength and stability work for your hand, wrist, and forearm muscles.
Posture and ergonomic advice, especially if your symptoms are work-related.
Activity modification strategies so you can keep doing what you love — safely and comfortably.

Do you need physiotherapy for your carpal tunnel syndrome?

Untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause long-term nerve damage and permanently affect your hand and wrist function.

Our expert physiotherapists are here not only to address the symptoms, but also to help prevent further aggravation of the nerve and allow it to heal.

Call 02 8808 4000 or message us through this form, and our physiotherapy team will be happy to answer your questions as soon as possible.