Carpal tunnel syndrome is a rather common injury. In fact, approximately 1 in 20 people suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. Women suffer from this condition at a frequency about 3 times that of men. Unfortunately, this tends to be quite a painful condition brought on by the compression of an essential nerve in the wrist. The median nerve begins at the forearm and runs into the palm of the hand. This nerve is responsible for controlling a number of sensations essential to the proper function of the hand.

The carpal tunnel is where the median nerve and tendons are housed; therefore any damage to this region causes great pain and discomfort, sometimes even weakness or numbness. Patients have often experienced pain that runs from the hand and wrist all the way up the arm. While this is certainly a painful condition, fortunately proper treatment will help most people who have developed carpal tunnel syndrome to eliminate pain and restore the wrist and have to normal use.

Being aware of the most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is important, as those who recognize the development of this condition will be able to actively seek treatment in a timely manner. The following are the most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome:

  • Symptoms usually begin gradually
  • The palm of the hand and fingers begin to experience numbness, tingling, itching, or burning
  • The index and middle fingers as well as the thumb are often most effected
  • A false feeling of swollenness
  • Symptoms often arise at night
  • Often wake up feeling a need to “shake out” your hand and wrist
  • Tingling surfaces during the daytime as the condition progresses
  • Reduction in grip strength

While carpal tunnel syndrome is often very painful, those who seek treatment, either surgically or non-surgically, typically return to normal use.