What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel - a narrow passage in the wrist formed by the carpal bones on three sides and a tough ligament (the flexor retinaculum) on the other. The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger, and motor control to the muscles at the base of the thumb.
When the structures within the carpal tunnel become inflamed or swollen - due to repetitive wrist use, fluid retention, or anatomical variation - the available space reduces and the median nerve becomes compressed. This compression produces the characteristic tingling, numbness, and pain that is the hallmark of the condition.
CTS affects a wide range of people, from office workers who type extensively to manual workers, cyclists, paddlers, and new mothers (due to hormonal fluid retention). It is more common in women and becomes more prevalent with age.
Understanding carpal tunnel
Causes and contributing factors
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements, particularly typing, gripping, or using vibrating tools
- Sustained wrist flexion or extension - which reduces the space in the carpal tunnel
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes associated with fluid retention
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis affecting the tendon sheaths within the tunnel
- Wrist fractures or dislocations that alter the anatomy of the carpal tunnel
- Hypothyroidism, diabetes, and obesity, which are associated with increased CTS risk
Symptoms to recognise
- Tingling, numbness, or "pins and needles" in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger
- Symptoms that are typically worse at night and may wake you from sleep
- Symptoms that worsen with sustained wrist flexion (e.g. driving, cycling, holding a phone)
- A weak or clumsy grip, with a tendency to drop objects
- Dull aching in the wrist and forearm, sometimes extending up the arm
- In established cases, wasting of the muscle at the base of the thumb (thenar eminence)
How Bearhug helps
The Bearhug wrist support provides compression to the wrist joint and the surrounding soft tissue, helping to reduce the swelling and fluid accumulation within the carpal tunnel that contributes to nerve compression. Keeping the wrist gently supported also limits the extremes of flexion and extension that are most provocative for the median nerve, particularly during sustained activities like cycling, racket sports, or extended desk work.
For mild to moderate CTS, wrist compression during provocative activities can meaningfully reduce symptom severity. Many people also find that wearing a wrist support at night - to prevent the wrist from flexing maximally during sleep - reduces the nocturnal symptoms that are most disruptive. Bamboo's soft, lightweight construction makes Bearhug wrist supports comfortable for extended wear, including overnight use.
Note: carpal tunnel syndrome with significant symptoms warrants assessment by a healthcare professional. Night splinting in a neutral wrist position, physiotherapy, corticosteroid injection, and surgical carpal tunnel release are all established treatments depending on severity. Compression supports are a useful adjunct and symptom management tool, not a replacement for clinical assessment in significant cases.
The information on this page is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing pain or injury, please consult a qualified healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Bearhug products are Class 1 medical devices designed to support - not replace - medical treatment.