Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) – Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

Key Points

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist.

• Symptoms include wrist pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand.

• Many conditions mimic CTS (arthritis, tendonitis, nerve entrapment higher up the arm).

• At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, we use diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound to visualise the median nerve and rule out other causes of wrist and hand pain.

👉 Related: Tennis Elbow | Golfer’s Elbow | Neck Pain

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What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in the wrist surrounded by bones and ligaments.

Inside it run:

• The median nerve (controls sensation and thumb function)

• Flexor tendons (control finger movement)

When pressure builds in the tunnel (due to swelling, inflammation, or narrowing), the median nerve is compressed, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand.

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Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Tingling or numbness in thumb, index, middle, and half of ring finger

• Hand weakness and difficulty gripping objects

• Pain in the wrist or forearm, worse at night

• “Pins and needles” when driving, typing, or holding a phone

• Dropping objects due to weak grip

• In chronic cases: wasting of thumb muscles (thenar eminence)

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Causes & Risk Factors

• Repetitive wrist/hand movements (typing, tools, manual work)

• Poor desk ergonomics or prolonged computer use

• Arthritis in the wrist

• Tendon inflammation (flexor tendinopathy)

• Pregnancy (fluid retention)

• Diabetes, thyroid disorders, or obesity

• Previous wrist injury

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Why Diagnostic Ultrasound Matters

Wrist and hand pain is often misdiagnosed because many conditions feel similar but are pathologically different.

Ultrasound can:

• Confirm median nerve enlargement or compression in the carpal tunnel

• Detect thickened tendons or swelling that cause narrowing

• Rule out ganglion cysts, arthritis, or tendon sheath inflammation

• Differentiate CTS from other causes such as:

  • Neck nerve root compression (cervical radiculopathy)

  • Pronator teres syndrome (nerve entrapment higher in the forearm)

  • Arthritis of the wrist or thumb

  • Tendonitis in wrist flexors

👉 This ensures your treatment isn’t guesswork — it’s based on clear imaging and accurate diagnosis.

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Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis may include:

• Clinical tests – Phalen’s, Tinel’s sign, grip strength

• Diagnostic ultrasound – visualising the median nerve and surrounding tendons/joint capsule

• Blood tests – thyroid, diabetes, metabolic contributors in recurrent or severe cases

• Referral – for nerve conduction studies or surgical opinion if severe compression is seen

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Self-Help for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Rest and modify activities that aggravate symptoms

• Use a night splint to keep the wrist in a neutral position

• Ice application to reduce irritation

• Stretching and gentle mobility exercises for the wrist/fingers

• Ergonomic adjustments (keyboard height, wrist supports)

• Maintain healthy weight and metabolic health

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Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic care – joint mobilisation and soft tissue therapy to reduce pressure around the wrist
✅ Exercise rehabilitation – grip strengthening, nerve gliding, and ergonomic correction
✅ Sports massage – forearm muscle release to reduce tension
✅ Ultrasound imaging – confirms diagnosis and monitors nerve changes
✅ Blood testing – screens for systemic contributors (thyroid, diabetes)
✅ Referral pathways – if severe, onward referral for surgical release

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Prevention

• Take regular breaks from typing or tool use

• Use ergonomic keyboards and mouse setups

• Stretch wrists and forearms during the day

• Strengthen grip and forearm muscles

• Address underlying conditions (thyroid, diabetes, arthritis)

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FAQs – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Q: Do I need a scan for carpal tunnel?
Yes. Ultrasound is highly effective in diagnosing CTS and ruling out other wrist conditions.

Q: Is carpal tunnel only from typing?
No. It can result from multiple factors including arthritis, pregnancy, and metabolic conditions.

Q: Can carpal tunnel go away on its own?
Mild cases may improve with rest, splints, and ergonomics. Chronic cases need structured treatment.

Q: Why are blood tests useful?
They can detect thyroid issues, diabetes, or metabolic causes that increase risk of CTS.

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Book Your Appointment

Don’t let wrist pain or tingling disrupt your work or daily life. Book your carpal tunnel assessment with ultrasound in Bromley today for a clear diagnosis and effective treatment.

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📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available