Symptoms & Causes

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist. Typical symptoms:

  • Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger
  • Symptoms worse at night or on waking, often relieved by shaking the hand
  • Weak grip or dropping objects in advanced cases
  • Wasting of the thumb-base muscle in severe, long-standing cases

Risk factors include repetitive hand use, pregnancy, diabetes, thyroid disease and wrist injury.

Non-Surgical Treatment

  • Wrist splinting: A night splint keeps the wrist neutral and relieves mild symptoms.
  • Activity modification & ergonomics: Adjusting hand-intensive tasks.
  • Corticosteroid injection: Reduces nerve swelling; gives temporary or sometimes lasting relief.

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

When symptoms are persistent, severe, or there is nerve damage, surgical release of the transverse carpal ligament relieves pressure on the nerve. Two approaches:

  • Open release: A small palm incision; reliable and widely used.
  • Endoscopic release: Keyhole technique through one or two tiny incisions, often with faster early recovery.

It is usually a short day-surgery procedure under local or regional anaesthesia.

Recovery

  • Days 1–14: Light hand use encouraged; stitches out around day 10–14.
  • Weeks 2–6: Grip strength gradually returns; heavy use avoided.
  • Night symptoms often improve quickly; numbness from long-standing nerve damage may take longer or be incomplete.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Carpal tunnel release at a private hospital typically costs S$3,000–S$6,000+ including surgeon, facility and anaesthesia. Subsidised rates apply at public hospitals with a referral. The procedure is medically indicated and usually Medisave-claimable up to limits.

Yes. Carpal tunnel release is a medically necessary procedure and is generally Medisave-claimable up to surgical limits, and often covered by Integrated Shield Plans. Confirm with the clinic.

Mild or early cases often improve with night splinting, activity changes and sometimes a steroid injection. Surgery is recommended when symptoms persist or there is evidence of nerve damage, where delaying risks permanent weakness.

Most people use the hand for light tasks within days and return to office work within 1–2 weeks. Grip strength and full recovery take several weeks; numbness from severe, long-standing compression may improve slowly.

General information only — not medical advice. Always verify a doctor’s SMC registration and discuss your individual circumstances with a qualified specialist.