Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome To Watch Out For

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a commonly occurring condition that can lead to tingling, numbness, and pain in the arm and hand. The condition is caused by compression or squeezing of the median nerve, which is one of the major nerves that connects the hand to the spinal cord, and it has to travel through the wrist to function. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often a progressive condition that gets worse with time. Because of that, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. If the condition is severe enough, it may require surgery. However, in the early stages, the symptoms can often be alleviated by taking measures like wearing a wrist splint and stretching more often. Individuals are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome if they type or use their hands for much of the day.

Read about the major symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome to watch out for now.

Numbness And Tingling

Numbness and tingling are often the first two symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Affected individuals might not even notice these sensations until the condition progresses. Some patients notice the tingling and numbness but ignore it, assuming it's just due to circulation rather than being a serious medical condition. If individuals notice their hand or arm feels numb or tingling often, especially after they've used their hands to type or do other work, they should be concerned. Other conditions affecting the nerves or blood vessels can also lead to numbness or tingling. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes these symptoms due to the compression of the nerves in the wrist. Peripheral neuropathy can also cause tingling and numbness. This condition refers to damage to the nerves found in the extremities. If individuals have uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes, they have a higher likelihood of developing peripheral neuropathy. There are also chronic health conditions that can cause tingling and numbness in the hands including vascular diseases, Raynaud's phenomenon, multiple sclerosis, and a stroke.

Continue reading to learn about more symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome now.