Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm through a narrow passageway in your wrist (the carpal tunnel), becomes compressed. This nerve controls sensation and movement in the thumb and first three fingers. The condition typically develops gradually — you may first notice numbness or tingling at night that wakes you up, progressing to daytime symptoms like dropping objects, difficulty gripping, and persistent hand weakness. It is one of the most common nerve compression conditions, affecting people who perform repetitive hand and wrist motions, though it can also result from pregnancy, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or wrist injuries.

Dr. Zhou uses a combination of clinical examination and electrodiagnostic testing to accurately diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. During the physical exam, he will assess sensation in your fingers, test grip strength, and perform specific provocative tests such as the Phalen's maneuver and Tinel's sign. The gold standard for diagnosis is EMG/nerve conduction studies (NCS), which Dr. Zhou performs in-office. These tests measure the speed and strength of electrical signals traveling through the median nerve — slowed conduction across the wrist confirms the diagnosis and reveals the severity, helping guide the right treatment approach.

Treatment depends on the severity of your condition. For mild to moderate cases, Dr. Zhou may recommend wrist splinting (especially at night), activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted rehabilitation exercises to reduce pressure on the nerve. Corticosteroid injections can provide significant relief by reducing swelling around the nerve. For more advanced cases or when conservative measures are insufficient, Dr. Zhou will discuss surgical referral options. Throughout treatment, he monitors your progress with follow-up electrodiagnostic testing to ensure the nerve is recovering properly.