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The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can be devastating,
so it is important to know what the symptoms
are so that if they present themselves you can stave
off the onset as quickly as possible.
- Tightness,
discomfort, stiffness or pain on the anterior
(front) side of the hands and wrists. (Not
all people experience this.)
- Pain, tingling,
numbness and/or paresthesia (Pins & needles)
affecting the thumb, index, middle
and one half of the ring finger.
(All fingers do not have to be affected
or experience signs of injury simultaneously)
- In
severe cases, the atrophy of the thenar
eminence is most common due to restricted
median nerve conduction and blood supply.
Loss of strength in the thumb, index and middle
fingers is also very common.
- Additional
side-effects of carpal tunnel syndrome
may include generalized aching, swelling,
and diminished coordination of the fingers,
especially when performing fine motor movements
required for picking up small objects.
- Many of the individuals
suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome
also describe a need to massage hands,
wrists and arms and often assuming a defensive
posture in order to protect sensitive
fingers, hands and wrists.
- IMPORTANT: Misdiagnosed Conditions
- Often
times individuals are misdiagnosed with carpal
tunnel syndrome although the symptoms
affect the ring and little finger. If
an individual has symptoms in these areas,
they do not have carpal tunnel syndrome. The
ulnar nerve, not the median nerve supplies
function to the ring and little fingers. Be
sure to receive a second opinion before deciding
on surgery or any other type of invasive treatment
to ensure that you are indeed addressing the
appropriate disorder. Symptoms at times may
seem to change in severity of finger position
but this is normal.
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