Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes tingling, numbness, and discomfort throughout the arms and hands. Usually, the condition is prompted by a compressed nerve within the carpal tunnel, which is a small passage on the palm-side of the wrist, through which multiple tendons and a single nerve pass through.

There are numerous things that can contribute to the likelihood of developing carpel tunnel syndrome. For instance, you might find that you’re more likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome if you engage in a lot of repetitive hand motions, particularly if your hand is lower than your wrist during these actions. Additionally, carpal tunnel syndrome can become more likely with pregnancy. Here, we’ll look at the symptoms and treatments for carpal tunnel, so you know what to do if you recognize this problem.

The Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Understanding the symptoms and treatment for carpal tunnel can make it easier to arrange fast and effective treatment. Usually, the symptoms of carpal tunnel can start very gradually, including things like tingling or numbness in the index fingers, middle fingers, thumb, and more. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also cause discomfort in your palm, and wrist. Common issues include tingling and numbness.

Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome get periods of numbness and tingling in their hand or fingers. Often, the middle, ring, index, and thumb fingers are affected, but the little finger can be free from the problem. The sensation can feel like an electric shock in some fingers, and it can travel up from your wrist, throughout your arm. Some people notice that carpal tunnel pain actually wakes them up when they’re sleeping.

Another common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome is weakness. If you suddenly start dropping objects, or you can’t maintain a solid grip, this could be due to a weakness or numbness in your hand, as well as problems with your thumb’s pinching muscles.

Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

A knowledge of the symptoms and treatment for carpal tunnel will inform you that there are a range of treatment options available. Usually, your doctor will recommend starting treatment as soon as symptoms start. Much of the treatment can be done at home. For instance, if you can, it’s useful to take more frequent breaks when you need to rest your hands, and reduce activities that could worsen your symptoms.

Some doctors will recommend applying ice packs to the wrist to limit the swelling, and other treatment options are available for severe cases of carpal tunnel too. For instance, your doctor might recommend medication that can reduce inflammation, along with wearing a wrist splint at night.

If the symptoms get too bad and you find that you simply can’t perform as normally as you could, or struggle to maintain your day-to-day life as you once did, then your doctor might suggest a form of surgery to help open up the space around the nerve and tendons in your wrist. There’s also the option for corticosteroids if you feel that surgery isn’t the right option, or your doctor recommends an alternative treatment.