3 Signs that You may have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome typically starts with a vague aching in your wrist that can extend to your hand or forearm.
Common Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms Include:
1.) Tingling or numbness in your fingers or hand, especially your thumb and index, middle or ring fingers, but not your little finger. This sensation often occurs while holding a steering wheel, phone or newspaper or upon awakening. Many people “shake out” their hands to try to relieve their symptoms. As the disorder progresses, the numb feeling may become constant.
2.) Pain radiating or extending from your wrist up your arm to your shoulder or down into your palm or fingers, especially after forceful or repetitive use. This usually occurs on the palm side of your forearm.
3.) A sense of weakness in your hands and a tendency to drop objects.
Carpal tunnel syndrome results from pressure on a nerve (median nerve) leading to your hand and fingers. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist which protects the median nerve. Pressure on the median nerve may cause pain in the wrist and forearm, numbness and tingling in the fingers and weakness in the hand.
Watch a short, informative video here.
When to See a Doctor:
If you have persistent signs and symptoms suggestive of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as the 3 listed above, especially if they interfere with your normal activities and sleep patterns, call to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced doctors at Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates. If you leave the condition untreated, nerve and muscle damage can occur.
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~Dr. Darmeilo, MD