Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Explained

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist, often causing discomfort that can interfere with everyday activities. It occurs when the median nerve — which travels from the forearm into the hand — becomes compressed as it passes through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.

When this nerve becomes irritated or pressured, it can lead to symptoms ranging from mild numbness to significant pain and weakness.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

CTS symptoms often develop gradually and may come and go in the beginning. Common signs include:

• Weak hand grip, making it harder to hold objects securely
• Numbness or reduced sensation in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
• Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations
• A feeling of tightness or swelling in the fingers, even without visible swelling
• Sharp or burning pain, especially around the thumb
• Symptoms that worsen at night, often disrupting sleep

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Several factors may increase pressure within the carpal tunnel. CTS can be caused by one or more of the following:

• Repetitive hand or wrist activities (typing, assembly work, tool use)
• Pregnancy, due to increased fluid retention
• Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Hormonal or metabolic issues, including hypothyroidism
• Diabetes, which increases susceptibility to nerve problems
• Wrist injuries (sprains, fractures, dislocations)
• Cysts, masses, or anatomical narrowing of the carpal tunnel
• General swelling from overuse, strain, or underlying health conditions

Why Early Detection Matters

Identifying symptoms early helps prevent long-term nerve irritation and potential permanent weakness in the hand. Proper evaluation ensures you receive timely treatment—whether it involves wrist bracing, modifying activities, physical or occupational therapy, or medical intervention.

If you notice persistent numbness, nighttime discomfort, or difficulty gripping objects, speaking with a healthcare provider is important. Early care can protect nerve function, reduce pain, and improve overall hand mobility.

How Therapy Helps

Physical and Occupational Therapy can play a key role in relieving CTS symptoms by:

• Improving wrist and hand mobility
• Reducing nerve compression
• Strengthening supporting muscles
• Teaching ergonomic positioning for work and home
• Reducing swelling and inflammation
• Guiding safe activity modifications

Therapy helps many patients improve without surgery and supports rehabilitation even if surgery is required.

Schedule Your Carpal Tunnel Evaluation

Our expert team at Reddy Care Physical, Occupational & Aquatic Therapy, with clinics across Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan are here to help you restore comfort and hand function. 

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021 – (516) 829.0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735 – (516) 420.2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797 – (516) 367.1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729 – (631) 243.0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005 – (516) 344.0030

Bayside: Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360 – (718) 224.8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572 – (516) 992.2282

New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 – (212) 580.0125

Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 – (631)-446.1480

Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 – (631)-532.0906

Rockaway Beach - (NEW) 2-30 Beach 102nd Street, Suite 28, Rockaway Park, NY 11694 – (718) 945.9575

In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy

Tel: (516) 829-0030

Serving: Long Island, Queens & Manhattan

Sources: Resource 1 Resource 2 

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.