Carpal tunnel: why do your fingers fall asleep at night?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, a narrow tunnel at the front of the wrist. This nerve controls the sensitivity of the thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger, as well as certain hand muscles.

Common symptoms

• Tingling or nocturnal numbness of the fingers
• Difficulty performing fine gestures (holding a cup, writing, buttoning)
• Pain radiating to forearm
• Loss of sensitivity and strength, particularly in the thumb
• Falling objects due to grip weakness

What to do?

• Wear a resting splint at night to keep the wrist in a neutral position
• Corticosteroid infiltration of the carpal tunnel to reduce inflammation
• Physiotherapy for moderate compression
• If symptoms persist: surgery (opening of the anterior annular ligament), performed under local anaesthetic or WALANT, on an outpatient basis.

In the case of surgery, an original technique :

Opening of the annular ligament can be performed under WALANT anesthesia (local anesthesia) and ultrasurgery, an innovative method that allows immediate use of the hand. Dr Couturier performs this procedure most often in Office Surgery.

The operation takes place in an original operating room within a consultation structure, with a very short circuit of around 1 hour. No need to fast or see an anesthetist. This method is coming to France, and Dr Couturier is one of its main promoters.

Early treatment is essential to avoid irreversible damage to the median nerve.