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Numbness of the hands,
pain of the fingers and tingling of the palms are the most common carpal
tunnel symptoms. It often occurs in the parts supplied by the median nerve
such as the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger.
If your little finger is not affected, this may be a sign that the condition
is carpal tunnel syndrome, because a different nerve than the thumb and
other fingers nerves usually control the little finger.
Carpal tunnel symptoms often occur in both hands, but they are usually worse
in one hand than the other. You may first notice it at night - people with
those disorder can usually fall asleep, but in the middle of their slumber,
they are awakened by the pain.
Those mild carpal tunnel symptoms primarily affect the hand and sometimes
the forearm, but they can radiate up to the shoulder. It includes the
following:
* Numbness or pain in your hand, forearm, or wrist. Shaking or moving your
fingers may ease this numbness and pain.
* Occasional tingling, numbness, "pins-and-needles" sensation or pain. The
feeling is similar to your hand "falling asleep."
* Numbness or pain that worsens while using your hand or wrist, especially
when gripping an object with your hand or bending your wrist.
* Occasional aching pain in your forearm between your elbow and wrist.
* Stiffness in your fingers when you get up in the morning.
With moderate or severe carpal tunnel symptoms, you may have numbness or
reduced strength and grip in your fingers, thumb or hand.
It may even be difficult to:
* Do simple hand movements, such as brushing your hair or holding a fork.
You may accidentally drop objects.
* Pinch an object between your thumb and first finger.
* Use your thumb while doing simple tasks such as opening a jar or using a
screwdriver. With long-lasting carpal tunnel syndrome, the thumb muscles can
get smaller and weaker.
Carpal tunnel symptoms may develop gradually over time. They will continue
to worsen if you cannot find a way to put an end to the activity that is
contributing to the disorder. In its early stage, you may occasionally lose
some feeling in your hands. Most cases of carpal tunnel
syndrome get better with treatments. Usually there is no permanent damage
to the median nerve.
The carpal tunnel symptoms may improve by itself when the following happens:
* Fluid buildup decreases, such as after pregnancy.
* You change or stop the activity that has caused your carpal tunnel
syndrome.
* The underlying condition that caused or contributed to your carpal tunnel
symptoms has improved.
Remember that not all the numbness, pain and tingling are brought about by
carpal tunnel symptoms. It may be caused by other disorders so it’s best to
consult with a specialist to make sure.
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