In some cases, the pain may radiate up the arm all the way to the shoulder. Sometimes the muscles in the hand and thumb become weak. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can eventually lead to an inability to pinch, and if ignored for too long the damage can be irreversible. The carpal tunnel is open widest when the wrist is straight, so pressure on the median nerve can be relieved simply by straightening the wrist. In mild cases, wearing a wrist splint that keeps the wrist straight can provide adequate relief.
Massage can increase the circulation and decrease the swelling in the tunnel.
In severe cases, especially if the muscles in the hand and fingers are beginning to feel weak, surgery may be necessary to open up the tunnel to release the pressure on the nerve. The ulnar nerve passes through a tunnel in the elbow known as the cubital tunnel. The cubital tunnel is surrounded by ligament and muscle, which if swollen or injured can cause compression of the ulnar nerve. People with arthritis, for example, are susceptible to ulnar neuropathy as a result of swelling and inflammation in the elbow. Leaning too much on the elbow can lead to ulnar neuropathy.