Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Patient Education from University of Colorado Hospital

Living with an Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome is not confined to a single industry or job. As symptoms worsen, people with carpal tunnel often feel burning, tingling or numbness during the day and at night. It can become difficult to perform everyday tasks. A decreased strength in a person’s grip can make it difficult to form a fist and grasp small objects. In some cases, it is difficult to tell between hot and cold.

At the workplace, workers can do conditioning exercises to decrease symptoms. These can include:

  • Stretching exercises
  • Taking frequent breaks
  • Wearing splints
  • Using correct posture and wrist position

Workstations, tools and tasks can be redesigned to allow a worker’s wrists to maintain a natural position. Non-operative treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include splinting at night and steroid injections into the carpal tunnel. In many cases, surgery provides the most effective relief. The chances of carpal tunnel recurring after surgery are low.

Getting a Second Opinion about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome, when left untreated, can cause nerve and muscle damage. If symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are interfering with your everyday activities, including sleep, you should be seen by a doctor with special training in hand surgery.

Additional Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Resources

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 
Supports research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases, the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research, and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases.

Occupational Safety & Health Administration 
OSHA's mission is to assure the safety and health of America 's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health.