07/01/2026

WEDNESDAY | JAN 7, 2026

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Cases of carpal tunnel syndrome rising

KUALA LUMPUR: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, is becoming increasingly common among working Malaysians. However, many continue to ignore early symptoms, delaying medical consultation until the condition becomes more severe and harder to treat. The syndrome can cause numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the hand, potentially affecting daily activities and quality of life. Sunway Medical Centre Hand and Microsurgery consultant Mooi Sung Siang said CTS is becoming more prevalent due to modern work practices that require prolonged wrist positioning, either in flexion or extension. “Prolonged wrist postures, common among office workers and computer users, increase pressure within the carpal tunnel and can compress the median nerve, leading to CTS. “However, the condition is not limited to office workers. Musicians, operators of vibrating tools and individuals with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or pregnancy are also at risk.” He said clinically, CTS is classified into three severity levels, namely mild, moderate and severe, based on electrodiagnostic criteria. Symptoms corresponding to mild CTS typically involve occasional numbness. Moderate cases may feature frequent symptoms and pain while severe CTS can lead to constant symptoms and muscle atrophy in the hand. Mooi addressed common misconceptions, noting that many Malaysians believe that CTS can be resolved without treatment and warning that untreated CTS may result in

persistent impaired fine motor function, sleep disturbances and, in severe cases, permanent nerve damage, potentially affecting employment and overall quality of life. He said the diagnosis of CTS is typically made through a clinical assessment by a healthcare professional. This may include physical examination findings and, where appropriate, further investigations, such as nerve conduction studies, may be conducted by medical experts. He added that imaging modalities, such as MRI or ultrasonography, may sometimes be used to assess structural causes contributing to nerve compression, including conditions such as ganglion cysts and gout. Mooi highlighted that non-surgical management involves wrist splints, activity modification, medications and physiotherapy to relieve pressure, while surgical release is considered if symptoms persist or muscle atrophy develops. Surgical approaches to treat CTS include open and minimally invasive techniques. While the choice of approach depends on clinical and patient-specific factors, minimally invasive methods use smaller incisions, which may offer a different recovery experience for some individuals. Mooi advised the public not to dismiss ongoing hand symptoms and to seek medical evaluation when needed as early assessment could support clearer diagnosis and appropriate care. “Seek medical advice promptly to prevent permanent nerve damage. Simple measures, such as adjusting wrist positions and taking regular breaks, could help reduce pressure while awaiting professional care.“ – Bernama pain,

Devotees depart on sacred Hindu pilgrimage Chandran said Batik Air aimed to make the beginning of the pilgrimage a meaningful and memorable experience for the devotees, setting the tone for the journey ahead. – PIC COURTESY OF BATIK AIR

o Travel logistics and send-off at KLIA organised by Batik Air

we want their journey to begin in a manner that reflects dignity, care and respect. “Beyond transporting passengers, it is about understanding the significance of their purpose and ensuring their experience is handled with sensitivity and attention,” he added. He said Batik Air aimed to make the beginning of the pilgrimage a meaningful and memorable experience for the devotees, setting the tone for the journey ahead. As part of the send-off, the airline also presented a small gift of ghee to the devotees, courtesy of Enrico, in support of essential religious requirements associated with the pilgrimage. Batik Air said it would continue working with relevant authorities and partners to support community and religious travel, while maintaining service standards and operational efficiency.

Hindu community. Observed by more than 50,000 devotees annually, the Ayyappan Swamy pilgrimage holds deep spiritual meaning and involves strict religious practices and preparations. For many devotees, the journey represents a culmination of weeks of prayer, discipline and devotion. In response to the growing number of Malaysian devotees travelling to India for the pilgrimage, Batik Air facilitated special arrangements this year to support the journey. These included coordinating travel logistics and organising a dedicated send-off at KLIA to ensure a smooth and respectful departure. In a statement, Batik Air CEO Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the airline recognised the spiritual importance of the pilgrimage and the responsibility involved in supporting such journeys. “The pilgrimage carries deep spiritual meaning for the devotees, and

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 140 Ayyappan Swamy devotees from Malaysia departed for Tiruchirappalli, India on Saturday to begin their annual sacred pilgrimage, a key religious observance that draws tens of thousands of worshippers each year. The departure from KL International Airport (KLIA) Terminal One was marked by a send-off ceremony attended by Sentosa assemblyman Gunarajah R. George, underscoring the pilgrimage’s significance within the local