Why do my hands go numb at night?
Most people sleep with wrists curled, which raises pressure inside the tunnel; overnight fluid shifts add to it. That’s why night symptoms come first — and why a simple night splint holding the wrist neutral is one of the best-evidenced early treatments.
Which fingers does carpal tunnel affect?
The median nerve serves the thumb, index, middle and half the ring finger. Tingling in the little finger points to a different nerve (ulnar — often at the elbow), and whole-hand or arm symptoms may involve the neck — distinctions our assessment is designed to make.
Can carpal tunnel be treated without surgery?
Mild-to-moderate cases, yes — frequently. Night splinting, tendon and nerve gliding exercises, manual therapy to the wrist and forearm, and fixing aggravating positions at work resolve or control symptoms for many. A randomised trial (Fernandez-de-las-Penas et al., 2015) found manual therapy matched surgery at 12 months for many outcomes in women with CTS.
When is surgery genuinely needed?
Constant (not intermittent) numbness, weakness or visible wasting of the muscle pad below the thumb, or failed good-quality conservative care — these mean the nerve is being damaged, and release surgery (a small, quick, highly successful operation) protects it. We say so plainly and refer without delay.
Is it caused by typing?
Computer work is a milder contributor than folklore suggests — evidence links CTS more strongly to forceful, repetitive gripping, vibration (power tools), and conditions like pregnancy, diabetes and thyroid problems. Workstation ergonomics still matter for symptom control.
Why did it start during pregnancy?
Fluid retention raises tunnel pressure — CTS is common in the third trimester and usually settles after delivery. Night splints manage most pregnancy cases; we coordinate with your obstetric care.
What is a nerve conduction test and do I need one?
It measures how fast signals cross the wrist and grades severity objectively. It’s not needed for every classic mild case, but we recommend it when the diagnosis is uncertain, symptoms are severe, or surgery is being considered.
What does ACTYMED’s conservative programme include?
Night splinting correctly fitted, nerve and tendon gliding exercises, manual therapy for the wrist, forearm and (where implicated) neck, medical acupuncture in selected cases, workstation and tool modifications, and clear re-assessment checkpoints — with honest escalation to surgical referral if the nerve isn’t recovering.
