What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Symptoms, Causes and…

Tingling fingers that wake you at night, a weakening grip, or numbness while typing or scrolling—these are the hallmarks of carpal tunnel syndrome, one of the most common nerve conditions of the hand. In a region where desk work, long hours on devices, and demanding schedules are the norm, it affects many professionals. Whether it starts suddenly or builds over time, carpal tunnel syndrome can get in the way of sport, desk work, and daily life in the UAE. So what is it, why does it happen, and how can you find relief in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha?

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve—which runs from the forearm into the hand through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel—becomes compressed. This nerve controls sensation and movement in part of the hand, so pressure on it causes numbness, tingling, and weakness. The condition often develops gradually and can worsen without attention. Therapr helps you compare physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, and massage practitioners who emphasise assessment, evidence-informed care, and a realistic plan for carpal tunnel syndrome that you can actually follow.

Symptoms and Signs

The classic symptoms are tingling, numbness, or a 'pins and needles' feeling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. Many people notice symptoms worsen at night or on waking, along with a weakening grip, clumsiness, or difficulty with fine tasks like buttoning or holding a phone. Some experience aching that radiates up the forearm. Because repetitive strain drives many wrist and hand issues, carpal tunnel often overlaps with wrist and hand pain and broader workplace and repetitive strain problems. Early symptoms are easier to reverse than advanced ones.

Common Causes and Triggers

Carpal tunnel syndrome results from anything that increases pressure on the median nerve. Repetitive hand and wrist movements—typing, mouse use, and phone scrolling—are common contributors, especially with poor ergonomics. In the Gulf, long hours at desks and on devices, often in air-conditioned offices with fixed postures, add to the risk. Other factors include wrist anatomy, previous injury, pregnancy-related fluid retention, and conditions such as diabetes or thyroid issues. Awkward wrist positions during sleep can worsen night-time symptoms. Identifying and modifying the triggers is central to relief and prevention.

Quick Facts

Also known as	Median nerve compression, CTS
Typically affects	Adults; more common in desk workers and during pregnancy
Prevalence	One of the most common nerve compression conditions
Typical duration	Improves with early care; can persist or worsen if untreated
Related specialities	Physiotherapy, osteopathy, manual therapy, chiropractic
When to seek help	Persistent numbness, weakness, or symptoms disturbing sleep

How It Is Treated and Managed

Caught early, carpal tunnel syndrome often responds well to conservative care. Wrist splints—especially worn at night to keep the wrist neutral—can relieve pressure on the nerve. A physiotherapy professional can guide nerve-gliding and strengthening exercises, improve wrist and hand mechanics, and advise on ergonomics to reduce strain. Osteopathy, manual therapy, and chiropractic care may address contributing tension in the wrist, forearm, and neck. Adjusting your workstation, taking regular breaks, and modifying repetitive activities all help. For persistent or severe cases, a doctor may discuss steroid injections or surgery. Acting early gives the best chance of avoiding lasting nerve damage.

Managing Wrist Health in the Gulf

Physiotherapy and manual-therapy sessions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar commonly range from around 250–600 AED, 250–600 SAR, or 250–600 QAR per session. Providers are regulated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS), and Qatar's Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). With so much of regional professional life spent at desks and on devices, ergonomics matter: an adjustable chair, proper keyboard and mouse position, and frequent micro-breaks can significantly reduce strain on the wrists during long working days.

When to See a Professional

Seek help if numbness, tingling, or weakness is persistent, disturbs your sleep, or is affecting your grip and daily tasks. Early treatment often reverses symptoms and prevents progression, whereas prolonged nerve compression can cause lasting damage and muscle wasting. A physiotherapist can assess and guide conservative care, while a doctor advises if injections or surgery become necessary. Do not ignore ongoing hand symptoms—early action protects long-term function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my symptoms worse at night?

Wrists often bend during sleep, increasing pressure on the median nerve. A neutral wrist splint worn at night is a simple, effective way to ease night-time numbness and tingling.

Can carpal tunnel go away on its own?

Mild, early cases sometimes improve with rest and ergonomic changes, but persistent symptoms usually need active treatment. Early care with a physiotherapy professional improves outcomes.

Is surgery always needed?

No. Many people improve with splints, exercises, and ergonomic changes. Surgery is generally reserved for severe or persistent cases that do not respond to conservative care.

The Bottom Line

Carpal tunnel syndrome is common and highly treatable, especially when addressed early with splints, exercises, and ergonomic changes. Ignoring it risks lasting nerve damage, so early action pays off. Explore practitioners for carpal tunnel syndrome and related wrist and hand pain on Therapr, or start with physiotherapy in Dubai to protect your hands.

Find Help on Therapr

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Aster Specialty for Orthopedics and Physiotherapy, Al Qusais — Dubai (4.8★, 2217 reviews)
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This article is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment