Tingling fingers

Tingling fingers can be caused by several underlying issues. Clinical examinations and technical investigations are required to determine the exact cause.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

One of the most well-known problems is carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves pinching of the nerve in the wrist canal. The causes for this are diverse, including local inflammation of the tendon sheaths, higher tissue fluid levels due to hormones, diabetes, pregnancy, a thickened and pinching transverse wrist ligament, increased external pressure, rheumatism and bone abnormalities after fractures. This typical leads to (nocturnal) tingling in the thumb, index and/or middle finger or sometimes part of the ring finger. The hand feels numb. Shaking one’s hands often provides temporary relief of the symptoms.

The wrist is sometimes painful, and in serious cases, the thumb muscles can also be weakened. For some patients, there is pain or limited movement in the neck area.

The condition is more common in women than in men.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be confirmed through clinical testing by your specialist. A definitive diagnosis is made via EMG (electromyography) and a nerve conduction study (needle examination), though this is not always necessary.

Surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome aims to restore space to the nerve. The squeezed transverse wrist ligament is opened.

The surgeon may need to perform more microsurgery to release the nerve more from the surrounding nerve sheath if this is contributing to the pressure. Afterwards, the incision is closed and covered with a sterile bandage.

The procedure is done via day hospitalisation, unless your health condition does not allow it.

Latest publication date: 11/01/2024