When a person has carpal tunnel syndrome, they will often feel a numbness or tingling in their hands. Their hands will feel weak, and they will not have the control over their hands that they did prior to developing the condition. This is because carpal tunnel syndrome puts pressure on the median nerve, which is located in your wrist. This nerve is essential for proper hand functioning and sensation.
The median nerve, along with other tendons needed for hand movement, run through your carpal tunnel. It is a small space that is located in your wrist. The median nerve controls all of your fingers with the exception of your pinky.
What are the Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The pressure that is put on the median nerve is usually due to swelling. However, it can be anything that makes that carpal tunnel space, where the median nerve and tendons travel, smaller. Some of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Repetitive hand movements
- Pregnancy
What are the Most Common Symptoms?
Pain, weakness, a tingling sensation and numbness in the fingers are the most common symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. In some instances, people will have pain between their hand and their elbow.
Carpal tunnel syndrome often exhibits symptoms in the middle finger, the thumb and the index finger. You may also feel the sensation in the lower half of your ring finger. Since a different nerve gives the sensation to your pinky finger, it is not affected with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Most people say that they experience the most powerful symptoms at night. The symptoms can be so strong that they cause people to wake up and find relief by shaking their hand.
What Steps Can Be Taken to Diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
With carpal tunnel syndrome, our doctor will physically examine your hands and your arms. He will talk with you about health issues you may have, ranging from arthritis to diabetes. He will likely ask about any recent injuries to your arm, wrist or neck. Our doctor will be keenly interested in knowing about your daily routine. During the examination, our doctor can test your hand for strength, reaction time, sensation and endurance.
When it comes to getting treatment for carpal tunnel, the sooner you start, the better. The sooner you begin treatment, the greater chance you have of preventing long-term damage to the median nerve. The team at Arora Hand Surgery can come up with a customized treatment for you with the goal of eliminating pain and improving sensation and mobility in the affected hand. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb.
