Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Numbness, tingling, and hand weakness can make everyday tasks feel frustrating—typing, driving, gripping, even sleeping. Dr. John B. Fuller specializes in diagnosing median nerve compression and delivering a refined, stepwise plan to relieve symptoms and protect long-term hand function.
What carpal tunnel syndrome feels like
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This can affect sensation and fine motor control—often felt as tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hand.
- Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, middle, or ring finger
- Symptoms that wake you at night or worsen with wrist positions
- Hand weakness, dropping objects, reduced grip strength
- Aching in the wrist/forearm that can fluctuate over time
A refined, step-by-step approach
Every plan is personalized. We start with the least invasive options that make sense for your condition, then progress thoughtfully when needed.
Focused Evaluation
Review symptoms, triggers, and timing; assess sensation, strength, and wrist mechanics. Provocative tests may be used to reproduce symptoms safely.
Imaging When Helpful
Ultrasound may be used to evaluate the median nerve and surrounding structures, helping confirm compression and rule out other issues.
Conservative Relief
Activity strategy, ergonomic adjustments, wrist splinting, anti-inflammatory recommendations, and targeted treatment to reduce swelling and pressure.
Injection Options
Corticosteroid injections may reduce inflammation and provide relief—especially when symptoms interfere with sleep or daily tasks.
Surgical Release (When Indicated)
If symptoms persist or function is declining, carpal tunnel release can relieve pressure on the median nerve. Minimally invasive or open techniques may be considered based on your needs.
Return-to-Function Plan
A clear, structured plan to restore strength, confidence, and fine motor control—so you return to your routine with lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
It commonly feels like tingling, numbness, or burning in the thumb and fingers (often the thumb, index, and middle), sometimes paired with hand weakness or clumsiness. Symptoms may be worse at night or after certain wrist positions.
Schedule an evaluation if symptoms persist despite rest, ice, splinting, or activity changes—especially if symptoms are worsening, interrupt sleep, or you notice weakness, dropping objects, or reduced grip strength.
Diagnosis starts with symptom history and a physical exam assessing sensation and strength. Certain wrist maneuvers can reproduce symptoms. Imaging such as ultrasound may help evaluate the median nerve and confirm compression.
Treatments may include activity and ergonomic changes, wrist splinting, anti-inflammatory recommendations, corticosteroid injections, and—when symptoms persist or function declines—carpal tunnel release surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve.
Dr. Fuller typically recommends treatments with well-established outcomes, and can discuss the pros and cons of additional options based on your goals and preferences.
Sources
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome overview. View source
- NINDS (NIH): Carpal Tunnel Syndrome information and symptoms. View source
- NHS: Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and treatment overview. View source
- Mayo Clinic: Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and causes. View source
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment vary by patient.