Government and public statistics

Carpal tunnel syndrome

NHS (National Health Service, England), 2024

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Read on October 16, 2026

What it is: The NHS health A to Z page on carpal tunnel syndrome: symptoms, causes, self-care such as wrist splints, and medical treatments including steroid injections and surgery. Last reviewed April 17, 2024.
How much weight it carries: Official public health guidance from the NHS in England, clinically reviewed. It is written for patients and does not give success rates or cite trials.

Facts taken from this source

The NHS says that if carpal tunnel syndrome is getting worse and other treatments have not worked, surgery may be discussed, and that surgery usually cures it.
“If your CTS is getting worse and other treatments have not worked, you might be referred to a specialist to discuss surgery. Surgery usually cures CTS.” (Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery)
The NHS advises wearing a wrist splint at night to relieve pressure on the nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome, and says it may take up to 6 weeks before symptoms start to improve.
“It helps to relieve pressure on the nerve. You wear it at night while you sleep. You may need to wear a splint for up to 6 weeks before it starts to feel better.” (How to treat carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) yourself)
The NHS says carpal tunnel syndrome can usually be diagnosed by asking about symptoms and checking the hand.
“Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can usually be diagnosed by asking about your symptoms and checking your hand.” (What happens at your appointment)
The NHS says painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help carpal tunnel pain in the short term, but there is little evidence that they treat the cause.
“Painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen may help carpal tunnel pain short-term.” (How to treat carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) yourself)
The NHS says to see a GP if carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are getting worse or are not going away, or if treatment at home is not working.
“your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are getting worse or are not going away” (Non-urgent advice: See a GP if)
The NHS lists a weak thumb or difficulty gripping among the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
“a weak thumb or difficulty gripping” (Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS))
The NHS says carpal tunnel syndrome can take months to get better.
“but it can take months to get better” (Introduction)
The NHS says that if a health professional is not sure it is carpal tunnel syndrome, they may refer you to hospital for a nerve conduction test or for scans such as an ultrasound or MRI.
“scans such as an ultrasound scan or MRI scan” (What happens at your appointment)
In many areas of England, NHS community musculoskeletal services can give help such as physiotherapy without a referral from a GP.
“In many areas you may be able to get help, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.” (Get help section)

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Facts taken from this source

Pages that rest on this source

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Facts taken from this source

Pages that rest on this source