But the pain, numbness and tingling in your hand will often return.¹ If the nerve damage at your wrist is severe, your symptoms are likely to get worse without treatment.

More than a third of people with carpal tunnel syndrome recover completely within six months without treatment.² Your symptoms are more likely to go away if you got them when you were pregnant or if you are young and you haven't had carpal tunnel syndrome for too long.³ But your symptoms are less likely to go away without treatment if you have pain in both wrists and the damage to your nerve is more severe.³ Most pregnant women find the symptoms go away after they've given birth, although some still have symptoms a year later.⁴

In some people, carpal tunnel syndrome gets worse with time.¹ This can happen quickly, or your symptoms may stay the same for a long time. If your symptoms become severe, carpal tunnel syndrome will probably get worse faster. If you don't get treatment, your symptoms could become serious. Some people who have severe carpal tunnel syndrome permanently lose most of the use of their hand.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.