What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The median nerve travels through the carpal tunnel in your wrist alongside nine tendons and eight wrist bones. When connective tissues become irritated, swelling develops and puts pressure on the nerve. This compression causes pain, tingling, stiffness, and numbness in the hand.
Risk factors include repetitive motions, previous wrist fractures, and arthritis. A doctor should evaluate symptoms to confirm diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
Signs and Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Early warning signs include occasional numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger, along with burning or sharp pain in your wrist and possibly in your forearm. Frequent muscle cramps in the forearms or fingers may also occur.
As the condition progresses, you may experience:
- Weakened grip strength
- Fluid accumulation in wrists overnight
- Hand and wrist muscle deterioration
- Morning stiffness in hands
Reduce the Risk of Developing Carpal Tunnel
Prevention strategies include maintaining straight wrists while typing, taking regular breaks from repetitive activities, and stretching fingers and muscles. Wearing wrist braces while sleeping helps keep wrists in a neutral position. When possible, alternate hands during repetitive tasks and avoid leaning on your palm heels.
