Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

It is usually due to increased pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. This can arise from repetitive hand use, swelling after pregnancy, fluid retention, thyroid issues, diabetes, or no obvious cause at all.

Often, diagnosis is clinical. If symptoms are long-standing, severe, or unclear, I may recommend nerve conduction studies (electrophysiology) or rarely ultrasound to assess nerve health and guide treatment.

Mild cases may improve with splints, rest, or steroid injections. However, persistent numbness, night pain, or weakness indicates that the nerve is struggling — and surgery may be needed to prevent permanent damage.

Night pain often improves quickly. Numbness and weakness recover slowly and depend on how long the nerve was compressed and how well you recover. In very advanced cases, full recovery may not return — but surgery prevents further deterioration and usually brings meaningful improvement.

Recurrence is uncommon but possible. If symptoms return, I offer detailed assessment and revision surgery where appropriate.

You can usually return to driving once you feel confident that you can safely control the vehicle, which for most people is around 1–2 weeks after surgery.

Desk-based work is typically possible at about 2 weeks, depending on comfort and swelling.

For manual, physical, or tool-based jobs, recovery time is longer. Most patients need 3–6 weeks, and heavier or repetitive roles may require even more time. Your return-to-work plan will be tailored to the specific demands of your job.

Yes. This is an insured procedure and I am fee-assured with major UK insurers, meaning no shortfalls in fees.