Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Manchester and Glasgow
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common nerve compression conditions in the UK, affecting millions of people across all age groups and walks of life. The characteristic symptoms -- tingling and numbness in the hand and fingers, often worse at night -- can significantly disrupt sleep, work, and everyday activities. With the right diagnosis and management, most patients can achieve meaningful, lasting relief without surgery.
At Ortho Remedy Clinic in Manchester and Glasgow, orthopaedic consultants with specialist experience in hand and wrist conditions assess and manage carpal tunnel syndrome. The full range of conditions managed at our hand and wrist service is described on our hand and wrist conditions page.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway formed by the bones of the wrist and a tough band of fibrous tissue (the flexor retinaculum) on the palm side of the hand. The median nerve — which provides sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger, and controls some of the muscles at the base of the thumb — passes through this tunnel alongside the tendons that flex the fingers.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed within this tunnel, most commonly because of swelling in the surrounding tissues. This results in the characteristic combination of tingling, numbness, and weakness that defines the condition.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Tingling and numbness in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger
- Symptoms that are frequently worse at night, often waking the patient from sleep
- A tendency to relieve symptoms by shaking or flicking the hand
- Weakness when gripping objects or performing fine motor tasks
- A tendency to drop objects, particularly when strength at the base of the thumb is affected
- Aching that can radiate up the forearm towards the elbow
- In more severe or long-standing cases, wasting of the muscle pad at the base of the thumb (thenar eminence)
Symptoms are typically intermittent in mild cases and become more persistent as the condition progresses. Early assessment and treatment are recommended to prevent progression to permanent nerve damage.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can arise from a number of causes, and in many cases more than one contributing factor is present:
Repetitive hand and wrist movements
particularly those involving sustained gripping, vibrating tools, or repetitive flexion and extension
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes and fluid retention frequently cause temporary carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
A common and frequently overlooked cause
Diabetes
Associated with an increased risk of nerve compression syndromes
Rheumatoid arthritis
And other inflammatory joint conditions causing synovial swelling within the tunnel
Previous wrist
Fractures or injuries that have altered the anatomy of the carpal tunnel
Obesity
In many patients
No specific cause is identified (idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome)
How Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis at Ortho Remedy Clinic begins with a thorough clinical assessment, including a detailed history of symptoms and a structured examination of the hand, wrist, and forearm. Clinical tests — including Tinel’s sign (tapping over the carpal tunnel) and Phalen’s test (sustained wrist flexion) — are used to support the diagnosis.
Where confirmation of the diagnosis is required, or where the severity of nerve involvement needs to be assessed, nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) may be arranged. These tests measure how effectively electrical signals are being conducted along the median nerve and can help to determine the severity of compression.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The majority of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome can be managed successfully without surgery, particularly if the condition is identified and treated at an early to moderate stage.
A wrist splint worn at night — keeping the wrist in a neutral position to reduce pressure within the carpal tunnel — is often the first recommended treatment for mild to moderate symptoms. Many patients experience significant relief in nocturnal symptoms within a few weeks of consistent splint use.
A guided corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel reduces local inflammation and swelling, providing meaningful relief from tingling, numbness, and pain. The injection is carried out under ultrasound guidance at our Manchester and Glasgow clinics to ensure accurate, safe placement. Evidence supports corticosteroid injection as an effective treatment that can provide sustained benefit for several months in many patients. A second injection may be considered if symptoms recur.
Identifying and modifying activities that aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome is an important part of management. This may include adjusting workstation ergonomics, using tools or equipment that reduce vibration or repetitive strain, and adapting hand-intensive tasks.
When Is Surgery Required for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel release surgery is a well-established and highly effective procedure for patients who have not responded to non-surgical management, or who present with significant nerve damage (weakness, muscle wasting, or severe constant numbness). Surgery involves cutting the flexor retinaculum to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Our consultants will advise honestly if surgical referral is appropriate based on your clinical assessment and nerve conduction study results. If you are managing multiple joint or nerve conditions, a broader assessment through our orthopaedic specialist Manchester service may be appropriate.
Book a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Consultation in Manchester or Glasgow
If you are experiencing tingling, numbness, or weakness in your hand that may indicate carpal tunnel syndrome, early specialist assessment can make a meaningful difference to your outcome. Ortho Remedy Clinic offers expert evaluation and non-surgical treatment at both our Manchester and Glasgow clinics. You can book an appointment online, or contact our team directly.
Patients with hand or wrist problems arising in a sporting context can also be assessed through our sports injury clinic Manchester or our sports injury clinic Glasgow, where hand and wrist conditions arising from sporting activity are regularly managed.
Working Hours
- MONDAY 9AM – 6PM
- TUESDAY 9AM – 6PM
- WEDNESDAY 9AM – 6PM
- THURSDAY 9AM – 6PM
- FRIDAY 9AM – 6PM
- SATURDAY 9AM – 4PM
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MANCHESTER CLINIC
High Lane Medical Centre, Buxton Road, Stockport, SK6 8DR
GLASGOW CLINIC
Spiersbridge House, 1 Spiersbridge Way, Thornliebank, G46 8NG
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients experience meaningful relief for between three and twelve months following a guided corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome. Duration varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. A second injection can be considered if symptoms recur. Where repeated injections provide only short-term benefit, surgical referral may be recommended.
Not necessarily. With appropriate treatment, many patients achieve lasting relief from carpal tunnel syndrome — particularly those in whom an underlying cause (such as pregnancy, hypothyroidism, or repetitive activity) can be identified and addressed. In long-standing cases with significant nerve damage, some residual symptoms may persist even after successful treatment.
Mild cases, particularly those associated with pregnancy, may resolve spontaneously after delivery or once the contributing factor resolves. However, in most cases, carpal tunnel syndrome does not fully resolve without treatment, and delaying assessment risks progression to more severe nerve damage.
The majority of patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome can be managed effectively without surgery. Non-surgical options — including splinting, guided injections, and activity modification — are appropriate first-line treatments. Surgical referral is considered when non-surgical management has failed or when the severity of nerve damage warrants it.
The injection is performed under ultrasound guidance, which allows for accurate placement and minimises unnecessary discomfort. Most patients find the procedure tolerable. A mild temporary increase in wrist discomfort may occur in the first 24 to 48 hours.
Yes. No GP referral is required. Patients can contact Ortho Remedy Clinic directly to book a consultation at our Manchester or Glasgow clinic.
Yes. Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome — affecting both hands — is common. Both wrists can be assessed at a single consultation, and a management plan for both can be agreed during the same appointment.
Contact Ortho Remedy Clinic
To arrange an appointment at our Manchester clinic, please contact us by one of the following methods:
No GP referral is required. Patients are welcome to self-refer directly. A member of the team will respond within one working day to confirm your appointment.
Book online or contact us — our Glasgow team is happy to help.