Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Seoul Diagnosed in English
Numb, tingling fingers that wake you at night are a classic sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. Our orthopedic surgeons in Gangnam confirm the diagnosis and treat it, starting with simple options.
Gangnam Nanoori Hospital, at 731 Eonju-ro near Hakdong Station (Line 7, Exit 10), treats carpal tunnel syndrome in its orthopedic Joint Center. Care usually starts with an exam and nerve or ultrasound tests, then night splinting, activity changes and ultrasound-guided injections, with carpal tunnel release surgery for persistent or severe cases. English-speaking coordinators can book you by WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in your wrist formed by small bones and a tough ligament. The median nerve and nine tendons pass through it. When the tissues swell or the space narrows, the nerve gets squeezed. It is the most common nerve compression in the arm and is treated through our Hand and Wrist clinic.
Repetitive hand use
Prolonged gripping, vibrating tools or wrist bending can aggravate symptoms, though the link to typing is less clear.
Pregnancy and hormones
Fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause often causes symptoms, which may ease after pregnancy.
Health conditions
Diabetes, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis and obesity all raise the risk.
Wrist injury
A wrist fracture or swelling after injury can narrow the tunnel.
Anatomy and genetics
Some people simply have a smaller carpal tunnel, and the condition can run in families.
Age and sex
It is more common in women and in people over about 40.
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms
Symptoms usually begin gradually and may come and go before becoming more constant.
Common symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Symptoms that wake you at night
- Relief from shaking or flicking the hand
- Dropping things or a weak pinch grip
- Burning or aching that may spread up the forearm
- Thinning of the muscle at the base of the thumb in later stages
Seek care promptly if you have
- Constant numbness that does not come and go
- Wasting of the thumb muscles
- Sudden severe numbness after a wrist injury
- Rapidly worsening weakness in the hand
These may mean the nerve is under significant pressure and needs timely treatment; in a life-threatening emergency in Korea, call 119.
Tingling in the ring and little fingers points instead to the ulnar nerve, often at the elbow. Read about cubital tunnel syndrome.
How carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your symptoms and an exam, with tests to confirm severity or rule out other causes such as a pinched nerve in the neck.
| Test | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Physical exam | Finger sensation, thumb strength and tingling when the nerve is tapped or the wrist is held bent |
| Nerve conduction study | How much the median nerve is slowed at the wrist, helping guide treatment |
| Ultrasound | Swelling of the median nerve and other causes of pressure in the tunnel |
| X-ray | Bone problems, arthritis or old fractures affecting the wrist |
Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment options
Mild to moderate cases often improve without surgery. Surgery is considered when symptoms persist or the nerve shows signs of damage.
Night splint
A wrist splint worn at night keeps the wrist straight and often reduces nighttime numbness within a few weeks.
Activity changes
Take breaks, reduce forceful gripping and vibration, and keep your wrists neutral when working.
Physical therapy
Our therapists can teach nerve and tendon gliding exercises and help with work setup and hand strength.
Ultrasound-guided injection
A steroid injection placed precisely into the carpal tunnel can relieve symptoms, though relief may be temporary for some people.
Carpal tunnel release
For persistent or severe cases, surgery divides the tight ligament to relieve pressure. It is usually done as a day procedure.
Giving the median nerve room
Carpal tunnel release enlarges the tunnel so the nerve is no longer squeezed. Night symptoms often improve quickly.
Simplified medical illustration for education only, not a patient image. Results vary by condition and individual; your specialist will explain what to expect for your case.
Your Specialists
Care at this clinic is provided by Nanoori Joint Center orthopedic surgeons. Tap a doctor to see their full profile.
Dr. Hyun Seok Seo
Wrist arthroscopy and TFCC injuries
Dr. Seong Cheol Moon
Wrist and elbow conditions
Dr. Young Wan Go
Upper limb surgery and fractures
Nanoori specialist on carpal tunnel syndrome · Video may be in Korean — ask our English-speaking team about anything you see.
Common Questions
Will carpal tunnel syndrome go away on its own?
Mild cases, especially during pregnancy, sometimes settle on their own or with a night splint. Symptoms that persist or keep getting worse should be assessed, because long-term pressure can cause lasting nerve damage.
How long is recovery after carpal tunnel release?
Many people use their hand for light tasks within days and return to office work within one to two weeks. Grip strength and palm tenderness can take a few months to fully recover.
Can I have carpal tunnel surgery while visiting Seoul?
It is usually a short day procedure, but you will need a wound check and stitch removal or follow-up. Our coordinators can help plan this around your travel dates.
Is the nerve test uncomfortable?
A nerve conduction study uses small electrical pulses that feel like brief taps or tingles. Most people find it mildly uncomfortable but very manageable.
Can I use my insurance?
Foreign residents enrolled in Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS) can use it at Nanoori. With international insurance, we provide billing documents for your claim; coverage depends on your policy.
Could my symptoms be coming from my neck?
Yes, a pinched nerve in the neck can cause similar tingling. Your surgeon will check for this and can arrange a neck assessment with our Spine Center if needed. See our Hand and Wrist overview for other causes.
Numb fingers at night? Talk to us in English
Message our international coordinators on WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796 to book a visit in Gangnam.
Related Care
Last updated October 2026. This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Contact us · Gangnam Nanoori Hospital home
