Say Goodbye to Wrist Pain
Understanding Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes numbness, tingling, and sometimes pain and weakness in the hand. It occurs due to the compression of the median nerve, which provides sensation to the hand and controls the movement of the thumb. In the wrist, the median nerve runs through a narrow tunnel called the carpal tunnel, along with all the tendons of the hand. In this crowded space, compression of the nerve can occur, leading to discomfort and impaired hand function, affecting daily activities.
Symptoms and Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Diagnosis and Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, several tests may be performed:
- Physical Examination: Assessing pinch strength, sensation, and signs of swelling or tenderness.
- Tinel’s Test: Tapping over the median nerve to assess for tingling or electric shock sensations.
- Phalen’s Maneuver: Holding the wrists in a flexed position to provoke symptoms.
- Electrodiagnostic Tests: Nerve conduction studies and electromyography to measure electrical activity in muscles and nerves.
Managing carpal tunnel syndrome often begins with making lifestyle adjustments to reduce symptoms and prevent worsening of the condition:
- Ergonomic Modifications: Adjusting workstations and tools to maintain a neutral wrist position can alleviate pressure on the median nerve. Using ergonomic keyboards, wrist rests, and adjusting chair height are beneficial.
- Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms, such as prolonged typing or repetitive wrist movements, can help reduce strain on the wrists.
- Rest and Stretching: Taking breaks from repetitive tasks and performing gentle wrist stretches can relieve tension and improve flexibility.
- Wrist Splinting: Wearing a brace, especially at night, can keep the wrist in a neutral position and alleviate pressure on the median nerve, reducing nighttime symptoms.
When conservative measures alone are insufficient, we may recommend non-surgical treatments to manage carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with CTS.
- Physical Therapy: Specific exercises and stretches designed to improve wrist strength and flexibility can be beneficial in managing symptoms and preventing recurrence.
In cases where symptoms persist despite conservative treatments or when there is severe nerve compression, surgical intervention may be recommended:
- Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery: This procedure involves dividing the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel to relieve pressure on the median nerve. It can be performed traditionally with an open incision or using minimally invasive techniques, such as endoscopic carpal tunnel release.
- Recovery: Following surgery, patients typically undergo physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the wrist. Most individuals experience significant improvement in symptoms and return to normal activities within a few weeks to months post-surgery.
Meet our Hand Surgeon
Dr Muntasir Mannan Choudhury
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr Muntasir Mannan Choudhury is a dedicated hand surgeon with a focus on providing effective solutions for carpal tunnel syndrome. His compassionate approach and extensive experience ensure patients receive the highest quality of care at Alpha Joints & Orthopaedics.
Meet our Hand Surgeon
Dr Muntasir Mannan Choudhury
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr Muntasir Mannan Choudhury is a dedicated hand surgeon with a focus on providing effective solutions for carpal tunnel syndrome. His compassionate approach and extensive experience ensure patients receive the highest quality of care at Alpha Joints & Orthopaedics.
Meet Our Experienced Hand Surgeon
Dr Muntasir Mannan Choudhury is a hand surgeon specialising in wrist pain and treatment. He is one of the foremost surgeons specialising in wrist arthroscopy in Singapore with multiple research papers and surgical innovations to his name. His dedication to patient care and extensive experience enables him to provide effective and lasting relief from various hand and wrist conditions.
Dr Choudhury was the former Consultant and Service Lead of Hand, Wrist, and Microsurgery Services at Sengkang General Hospital. In this role, he played a pivotal part in establishing and enhancing the hospital’s hand and wrist surgical services. His special interests include minimally invasive surgery for conditions such as arthroscopic management of wrist ligaments, bone injuries, arthritis, ganglions, and hand and wrist trauma.
Dr Choudhury’s academic background includes completing his International Baccalaureate at the prestigious United World College of the Atlantic in South Wales, UK, and graduating from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, India, in 2004. He earned his MRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons of Glasgow in 2010, completed advanced specialist training in Hand Surgery at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), and became a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine in Singapore in 2016. In 2020, he pursued a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Hand and Wrist Surgery under the renowned Dr Jeff Ecker at the Jeff Ecker Clinic in Perth, Australia. He has conducted one of the highest numbers of successful wrist arthroscopies in the restructured hospitals, introducing several arthroscopy techniques and innovations in Singapore. An active researcher, he has numerous publications and has pioneered several arthroscopic techniques for wrist surgery, holding one of the highest numbers of scientific papers in wrist arthroscopy in Singapore.
Dr Choudhury’s commitment to patient care has earned him multiple accolades, including SingHealth Service Awards, Singapore Health Quality Service Awards, and the ‘You Sparkle’ Award. He is also recognised as a Covid Hero, mentioned by Minister Tan See Leng in parliament. Outside of his professional work, Dr Choudhury is the founder and a team leader of the Wandering Dervishes Initiative, which provides linguistic-based support and free consultations to migrant workers in their native languages. The initiative has provided health consultations and screening for over 1,500 migrant workers.
Why Choose Alpha Joints & Orthopaedics?
Personalised treatment for patients
of all ages
Commitment to exceed
patient expectation
Conveniently located in Farrer Park, Gleneagles, Novena and Orchard
Frequently Asked Questions
Early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome often include numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Some may experience a sensation of swelling despite no visible swelling, and symptoms may worsen at night.
Yes, wrist pain can be caused by various conditions including tendinitis, ligament injuries, fractures, and other nerve compression syndromes (like Guyon’s canal syndrome), and systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Proper diagnosis by a specialist is essential for effective treatment.
Untreated carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to persistent numbness, weakness, and muscle wasting in the hand and fingers. In severe cases, permanent nerve damage may occur, affecting hand function and daily activities.
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