{"id":647,"date":"2017-06-09T08:26:59","date_gmt":"2017-06-09T08:26:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=647"},"modified":"2021-05-12T14:07:37","modified_gmt":"2021-05-12T14:07:37","slug":"10-symptoms-carpal-tunnel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/10-symptoms-carpal-tunnel\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful disorder of the wrist and hand caused by pressure on nerves in the wrist. Several nerves and tendons including the median nerve run from the forearm into the hand through a narrow tube in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Movement and feeling of the thumb and the first three fingers are controlled by the median nerve while the little finger is unaffected. People engaged in repetitive hand motions like typing on a computer for several hours a day are most commonly affected by carpal tunnel. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome start gradually and can vary from tingling to sharp pain to complete numbness in more severe cases.<\/p>\n

1. Tingling or Numbness of the Fingers<\/h3>\n

The first symptom of carpal tunnel<\/a> syndrome is usually tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, and middle finger. It is usually a feeling of \u201cpins and needles\u201d similar to when the hand or foot falls asleep due to lack of movement.<\/p>\n

Tingling can also progress into numbness which can become constant over time as carpal tunnel syndrome worsens. To alleviate tingling and numbness, many people who suffer from carpal tunnel try shaking out the hands and fingers to regain complete feeling in the affected nerves.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. Hand and Forearm Pain<\/h3>\n

Tingling<\/a> and numbness in the thumb and fingers can become painful. This symptom usually worsens at night and can feel like an electric shock, interrupting sleep in severe cases.<\/p>\n

Over time, pain can also move from the thumb and fingers into the hand and forearm. Sharp, shooting pain throughout the hand and forearm is a common symptom of chronic carpal tunnel syndrome.<\/p>\n

If this symptom begins to affect your sleep or capabilities at work, it is important to consult your doctor for pain relief methods.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Burning Sensation<\/h3>\n

Most people who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome experience tingling and numbness<\/a>, but symptoms can also present as a burning sensation in the thumb and first three fingers.<\/p>\n

This symptom commonly occurs during activities that cause carpal tunnel syndrome like typing on a keyboard. As pressure is put on the median nerve for an extended period of time, a burning sensation can slowly begin in the fingertips and move into the hand.<\/p>\n

To alleviate burning caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, take frequent breaks to relax and stretch the hands and fingers.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Elbow Pain<\/h3>\n

While symptoms of carpal tunnel most commonly affect the fingers, hand, and wrist<\/a>, pain can also radiate to the elbow.<\/p>\n

In the most severe cases it can even reach as far as the shoulder, but this is a rare symptom. Elbow pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome is typically a shooting pain that starts at the wrist and radiates outwards both into the hand and fingers and up through the forearm to the elbow joint.<\/p>\n

Shooting elbow pain is most common at night, but can also occur during the day when pressure is put on nerves in the wrist.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Discomfort in Wrist and Hand<\/h3>\n

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause discomfort in the wrist and palm of the hand while performing everyday tasks. This symptom typically occurs while holding objects like a cell phone or steering wheel.<\/p>\n

It can also occur during normal tasks that put pressure on the median nerve<\/a> like typing on a desk keyboard. Pressure on the median nerve while using the muscles in the hand and wrist to hold onto an object can cause weakness, resulting in mild to severe discomfort from holding everyday objects.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Weakness in the Hand<\/h3>\n

Discomfort<\/a> in the hand and wrist can develop into muscle weakness caused by prolonged damage to the carpal tunnel.<\/p>\n

You may experience weakness in the hand while performing everyday tasks like brushing your teeth or typing on a keyboard.<\/p>\n

As weakness in the hand begins to occur, you will probably notice that you can\u2019t perform these types of tasks as quickly as you could previously. Hand strengthening exercises can make a big difference in improving strength in the muscles of the fingers, hand, and wrist.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Grip Weakness<\/h3>\n

As carpal tunnel syndrome begins to worsen, it can become difficult to grip objects with the hands and can eventually lead to dropping objects.<\/p>\n

This makes simple hand movements like holding a fork or brushing hair difficult. It can be very painful to hold these objects due to grip weakness<\/a> and can be frustrating if you begin accidentally dropping objects that you used to be able to handle easily.<\/p>\n

Strengthening the muscles in the hand used for grip strength can help to alleviate pain and weakness, enabling you to perform daily tasks.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Difficulty Manipulating Small Objects<\/h3>\n

Symptoms of carpal tunnel often include weakness in the hand and loss of grip strength which can make it very difficult to manipulate small objects.<\/p>\n

As your carpal tunnel syndrome begins to worsen, you might notice that you can no longer manipulate small objects like picking up change with your fingers or decreased speed while typing on a keyboard.<\/p>\n

This can be a very frustrating symptom, but it can be improved by working to increase grip strength and by strengthening muscles<\/a> in the hand and fingers.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Difficulty Making a Fist<\/h3>\n

An easy test for carpal tunnel syndrome severity is testing grip strength by making a fist. Your doctor may ask you to try this in order to diagnose carpal tunnel or see how the condition is progressing.<\/p>\n

As numbness or pain in the fingers and hand continues to worsen it can become quite painful to make a fist. Weakness<\/a> in the hand muscles caused by carpal tunnel can also make it difficult to form a fist even if it isn\u2019t painful.<\/p>\n

This is a movement needed for several everyday routines like brushing your teeth so it is important to assess your grip strength periodically if you suffer from carpal tunnel.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Swollen Feeling in Fingers<\/h3>\n

One of the more severe symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is a swollen feeling in the fingers. This is caused by swelling or inflammation in the wrist when the median nerve is compressed.<\/p>\n

The carpal tunnel is a narrow tube, making it easy to put pressure on the median nerve, ultimately resulting in pain and swelling.<\/p>\n

This symptom may be present in one or both hands, and pain and swelling can be managed by wearing a wrist brace to prevent wrist movements that put pressure<\/a> on the carpal tunnel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"11. Hormonal Changes<\/h3>\n

One of the lesser-known causes of carpal tunnel syndrome is a shift in hormones<\/a>. Pregnant women experience an increase in the production of progesterone and estrogen in the first trimester of the pregnancy. These elevations in hormones may cause carpal tunnel, due to their propensity to increase water retention in tissue, which places pressure on the carpal tunnel nerve.<\/span><\/p>\n

This symptom is also common in bodybuilders who choose to use anabolic steroids. Use of anabolic androgenic steroids also increases the presence of estrogen and progesterone in users, increasing water retention in the same manner as pregnant women. However, bodybuilders and powerlifters move massive amounts of weight, placing extra pressure on the forearms and the carpal tunnel as they grip the bar.<\/span><\/p>\n

These symptoms typically decline after the user stops administration of the steroids, but in some cases, the damage done may be so severe that the changes are permanent, resulting in the need for surgery to improve the condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"12. Lameness<\/h3>\n

When carpal tunnel reaches its inflammatory peak, its results in severe pressure placed on the nerve, which may lead to feelings of lameness in the affected arm. This condition affects both the upper and lower arm and may increase in intensity from day to day. <\/span><\/p>\n

Affected individuals may gain some relief from massage and administration of anti-inflammatory<\/a> medications, but in most cases, they are fighting a losing battle, and the condition eventually overcomes normal bodily functions, resulting in complete lameness of the entire arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

People who notice the onset of carpal tunnel need to take immediate steps to improve their situation and prevent progression of the condition before it reaches a critical stage. It\u2019s far easier for physiotherapists and doctors to handle the disease when it first occurs. Waiting too long to seek treatment can result in the spread of the carpal tunnel and the loss of mobility in your arm \u2013 don\u2019t delay, seek treatment today.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"13. Diagnosis<\/h3>\n

If you notice signs of carpal tunnel, make an appointment with your doctor for a diagnosis<\/a>. While CT is not a medical emergency, the sooner you seek diagnosis and treatment, the better your chances of recovery from the disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your physician will diagnose your condition using a physical examination of your wrist and arm, as well as taking your family history to look for any other signs of carpal tunnel in your parents or siblings. Your doctor will complete the diagnosis using a nerve conduction study, where they measure your nerve response and determine the stage of development of CT in your wrist and arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nerve conduction studies measure the speed of nerve impulses. Should the nerve impulse be slower than usual when the nerve passes into the hand, you may receive a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. If diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatories and painkillers, as well as refer you to a physiotherapist for rehabilitation.<\/span><\/p>\n

14. Treatment Options<\/h3>\n

\"\"Your treatment options for carpal tunnel vary depending on the stage of the disorder. Doctors will always try to avoid surgery if possible and refer you to a physiotherapist<\/a> for specialized treatment to enhance your recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n

Non-surgical treatment therapies offered by your physiotherapist include the following;<\/span><\/p>\n