Numb, Tingling Hands? Watch Out For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 5 (Bernama) -- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, is becoming increasingly common among working Malaysians.

Yet many continue to ignore early symptoms, delaying medical consultation until the condition becomes more severe and harder to treat.

The syndrome can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand, potentially affecting daily activities and quality of life.

Hand and Microsurgery Consultant at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City Dr Mooi Sung Siang said CTS is becoming more prevalent due to modern work practices that require prolonged wrist positioning, either in flexion or extension.

“Prolonged wrist postures, common among office workers and computer users, increase pressure within the carpal tunnel and can compress the median nerve, leading to CTS.

“However, the condition is not limited to office workers. Musicians, operators of vibrating tools, and individuals with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or pregnancy are also at risk,” he told Bernama.

Clinically, Dr Mooi explained, CTS is classified into three severity levels based on electrodiagnostic criteria - mild, moderate, and severe.

Symptoms corresponding to mild CTS typically involve occasional numbness. Moderate cases may feature frequent symptoms and pain, while severe CTS can lead to constant symptoms and muscle atrophy in the hand.

Dr Mooi also addressed common misconceptions, noting that many Malaysians believe CTS can be resolved without treatment and warned that untreated CTS may result in persistent pain, impaired fine motor function, sleep disturbances, and, in severe cases, permanent nerve damage, potentially affecting employment and overall quality of life.

According to Dr Mooi, the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is typically made through a clinical assessment by a healthcare professional.

This may include physical examination findings and, where appropriate, further investigations such as nerve conduction studies, may be conducted by medical experts. 

He added that imaging modalities, such as ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may sometimes be used to assess structural causes contributing to nerve compression, including conditions such as ganglion cysts and gout. 

Dr Mooi highlighted that non-surgical management involves wrist splints, activity modification, medications, and physiotherapy to relieve pressure, while surgical release is considered if symptoms persist or muscle atrophy develops.

Surgical approaches to treat CTS include open and minimally invasive techniques. While the choice of approach depends on clinical and patient-specific factors, minimally invasive methods use smaller incisions, which may offer a different recovery experience for some individuals.

Dr Mooi advised members of the public not to dismiss ongoing hand symptoms and to seek medical evaluation when needed, as early assessment can support clearer diagnosis and appropriate care.

“Seek medical advice promptly to prevent permanent nerve damage. Simple measures, such as adjusting wrist positions and taking regular breaks, can help reduce pressure while awaiting professional care," he added.

-- BERNAMA