Official documentation

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: OrthoInfo

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthoInfo (AAOS), n.d.

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Read on October 16, 2026

What it is: The patient information page of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons on carpal tunnel syndrome, covering symptoms, causes, treatment and when permanent damage can occur.
How much weight it carries: Published by the professional body of orthopaedic surgeons and reviewed by specialists. It is written for patients, so it gives general descriptions rather than study data, and the page carries no publication date.

Facts taken from this source

The AAOS patient guide says that in many cases carpal tunnel syndrome can be diagnosed from the medical history and a physical exam, with no further testing needed.
“In many cases, carpal tunnel syndrome can be diagnosed by taking your medical history and performing a physical exam, and no further testing is needed.” (Tests)
The AAOS patient guide says a doctor may order electrodiagnostic tests to measure how well the median nerve works and whether it is under too much pressure.
“Your doctor may order electrodiagnostic testing of your nerves to measure how well your median nerve is working” (Tests)
The AAOS patient guide says a doctor may refer you to a hand therapist if significant pain and weakness last more than two months after carpal tunnel surgery.
“If you have significant pain and weakness for more than 2 months, your doctor may refer you to a hand therapist who can help you maximize your recovery.” (Recovery From Surgery)
Carpal tunnel numbness and pain are mainly felt in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers, and often wake people at night.
“primarily in the thumb and index, middle, and ring fingers. This often wakes people up at night.” (Symptoms)
The AAOS patient guide says a doctor will usually recommend nonsurgical treatment first when the diagnosis is uncertain or the symptoms are mild.
“If your diagnosis is uncertain or if your symptoms are mild, your doctor will recommend nonsurgical treatment first.” (Treatment, Nonsurgical treatment)
If carpal tunnel syndrome is left untreated for too long, it can lead to permanent dysfunction of the hand, including loss of finger sensation and weakness.
“If untreated for too long, it can lead to permanent dysfunction of the hand, including loss of sensation in the fingers and weakness.” (Overview)
The AAOS patient guide says MRI scans give better images of the body's soft tissues than X-rays.
“MRI scans provide better images of the body's soft tissues than X-rays.” (Diagnosis, Imaging)
The AAOS patient guide describes Phalen's test as bending and holding the wrists in a flexed position to test for numbness or tingling.
“Bend and hold your wrists in a flexed position to test for numbness or tingling in your hands.” (Diagnosis, Examination)
The AAOS patient guide says a doctor may recommend an ultrasound of the wrist to evaluate the median nerve for signs of compression.
“Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound of your wrist to evaluate the median nerve for signs of compression.” (Diagnosis, Imaging)
The AAOS patient guide says a doctor may order X-rays when there is limited wrist motion or wrist pain, to exclude other causes.
“If you have limited wrist motion or wrist pain, your doctor may order X-rays to exclude other causes for your symptoms” (Diagnosis, Imaging)
The AAOS patient guide lists exercises to keep the nerve mobile among simple measures that can often relieve early carpal tunnel symptoms, alongside a wrist splint worn while sleeping.
“Early symptoms can often be relieved with simple measures like: Wearing a wrist splint while sleeping Exercises to keep the nerve mobile” (Introduction and symptoms section)
The AAOS patient guide says that keeping the wrist in a straight or neutral position reduces pressure on the nerve in the carpal tunnel, which is why a night splint holds the wrist that way.
“Keeping your wrist in a straight or neutral position reduces pressure on the nerve in the carpal tunnel.” (Nonsurgical treatment section)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: OrthoInfo

Facts taken from this source

Pages that rest on this source

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: OrthoInfo

Facts taken from this source

Pages that rest on this source