This page was last reviewed 10-04-20
This condition involves the compression of the median nerve at the wrist
NICE guidelines for management of carpal tunnel syndrome in primary care
What we will see
- Pins and needles +/- muscle weakness and wasting in median nerve distribution (thumb/index/middle and half ring finger)
What we won’t see
- Early <6 months intermittent pins and needles in median nerve distribution without trial of non-operative treatment (e.g. night splints)
- Radicular pain
Specific tests
- Nerve conduction studies will be requested in clinic if thought appropriate Trial of therapy pre-referral
- Wrist (Futuro splints) at night time
Whom to direct referral to
If mild intermittent symptoms, normal sensation, and no thumb weakness, the patient should have a trial of splintage before referral. Then, the patient can be referred to
- Carpal tunnel clinic
- Run by Allied Health Professional under supervision of consultant hand surgeon.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome check list
