Tingling fingers – must be carpal tunnel right?

Feb 21, 2023 | Physiotherapy

Waking up with tingling fingers can indeed be a sign of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. But not always. 

And yes Physio can help

How can you tell if it is Carpal Tunnel (CTS)?

CTS involves a compression of the median nerve at the wrist (in the carpal tunnell to be exact). This nerve supplies the skin of the thumb and the adjacent 2 and a half fingers. Not the little finger or half of the ring finger.
So if your whole hands tingling, its not just CTS.
CTS is commonly felt as a tingling sensation in these 3 and half fingers, thats worse in bed at night.
It can be made worse by unusual bouts of gripping and hand use (like pruning, scrubbing and lifting)
It is also common in people who are retaining fluid, eg Pregnant women
Image : courtesy Google images
What else could it be?
If more or less than three and a half fingers are involved, it may be a nerve compression/ entrapment ‘up the chain’.  This could be a nerve compressed in the base of the neck, shoulder or elbow.
If both hands tingle, the neck is definitely involved.
What can be done?

Often peoples first thought is SURGERY.
But as always, this should be the last resort, and obviously won’t work if the compression is located in the neck or shoulder.
Our Physios are experts in the Assessment of nerves and can help you locate the cause of your symptoms
If it is a neck or shoulder cause, we can offer good relief in 2-3 sessions.
We will also give you exercises and home strategies to free the nerve involved…so homework baby.
Like the exercise below

Median nerve: ‘feeding the chooks’

–  Sitting facing forward with your hand curled up toward your chest and your hand in a cupping position like you are grabbing a handful of grain.

–  Turn your head towards your curled up arm, while at the same time straighten out your arm like your throwing grain to chooks.

Hold for 1-2 seconds

Repeat 10 times each side

And… if it is in fact Carpal Tunnel there are still lots of treatments we can offer before rushing off to surgery.
Resting splints/ special wrist braces may be helpful at night.
Like the one pictured.

Was this helpful? Do you know someone who could benefit ?

Please feel free to share this blog and give us a call if you would like more information.