What Are The Main Carpal Tunnel Symptoms?

You might be wondering what symptoms to look out for. The most common signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include numbness and tingling, particularly in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger. You might notice that these symptoms are worse at night or when you wake up in the morning.

You could also experience pain or discomfort in your hand or wrist that sometimes radiates up your arm. It can feel like a burning, aching, or even throbbing sensation, especially after activities like typing, driving, or holding your phone.

Another key symptom is weakness in your hand. You may find it difficult to grip objects, perform fine motor tasks like buttoning a shirt, or you might even drop things more often than usual. This is because the muscles controlled by the median nerve aren’t getting the signals they need.

You might also feel a pins and needles sensation, almost like your hand is ‘falling asleep,’ particularly during activities where your wrist is bent. And some people describe a feeling of swelling in their fingers, even though there’s no visible swelling.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you might find temporary relief by shaking your hand or flicking your wrist, something a lot of people instinctively do when the numbness or tingling sets in, especially at night or first thing in the morning.

If these symptoms sound familiar or if they’re impacting your daily activities, it’s important to seek advice. We can work together on a treatment plan that might include wrist splints, exercises, or other options tailored to your needs. And in some cases, if symptoms are severe, surgery might be recommended to relieve the pressure on your nerve.