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Signs & Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel in the Wrist

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage comprised of bone and ligament in the wrist. The tendons of the hand, and the median nerve, pass through the carpal tunnel into the hand. When the carpal tunnel becomes swollen or irritated, it compresses the median nerve, which causes the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. This irritation or swelling can be caused by pregnancy, or by repetitive stress injuries experienced due to assembly line work, computer work or other activities that cause an individual to perform the same actions repeatedly.

  1. Tingling

    • Carpal tunnel syndrome, due to its compression of the median nerve, can cause a tingling sensation in the fingers and palm of the affected hand. This symptom is not painful, but causes many carpal tunnel sufferers to shake their hand, in an attempt to get rid of the tingling feeling. This symptom is often experienced in the morning, due to flexing of the wrist during sleep.

    Pain

    • One symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome is pain. The median nerve controls the inner portion of the hand, including the palm and inner surface of the fingers, excluding the little finger, and can cause a burning sensation in these areas. Pain can also occur in the wrist itself, as well as radiating up the arm to the shoulder.

    Numbness

    • The compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel can cause a loss of sensation. Numbness also occurs in the palm of the hand and the inner portion of all of the fingers except the little finger. This symptom can prevent a carpal tunnel sufferer from distinguishing between heat and cold.

    Weakness

    • Along with a loss of sensation, carpal tunnel syndrome can result in weakness and tenderness in the hand and wrist. The gripping strength of the hand can be reduced by the compression of the median nerve. This can reduce the individual's ability to pick up and hold small objects, turn door handles, or even grip a steering wheel.

    Considerations

    • Carpal tunnel syndrome is often confused with tendonitis and other hand and wrist disorders that can cause pain and/or numbness. In order to distinguish carpal tunnel syndrome, it is necessary to pay attention to the location of the affected areas. The median nerve only controls the inner portion of the hand, both palm and fingers, except for the little finger. Therefore, if the symptoms are in the little finger, they are not due to carpal tunnel syndrome.

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