What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

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  • Tightness, discomfort, stiffness or pain on the anterior (front) side of the hands and wrists.
  • Tingling, numbness 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 nerve conduction and blood supply. Overall loss of strength in the hands is also very common.
  • Additional symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include pain, aching, swelling, and diminished coordination of the fingers, especially when performing fine movements such as "pinching".
  • Those suffering from this condition also describe a need to massage hands, wrists and arms, often assuming a defensive posture in order to protect sensitive fingers and wrists/hands.

  • IMPORTANT: Often times individuals are misdiagnosed with carpal tunnel although the symptoms are affecting their ring and little fingers. 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 sue to always receive a second opinion of your condition before deciding on surgery or any other type of treatment to ensure you are addressing the appropriate disorder. Symptoms at times may seem mysterious or changing, this is normal with carpal tunnel syndrome as the condition may alternate between fingers or be more prevalent from one day to the next.