Typing, texting, scrolling, gaming—our hands and wrists are in constant demand in a modern world. Over time, these repetitive movements can lead to strain and injury. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common wrist injuries people experience, affecting millions of Americans each year. It happens when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into your hand, gets squeezed or compressed at the wrist.
If you’ve been experiencing strange sensations like tingling, numbness, or pain in your hand and fingers, you might assume carpal tunnel is the cause. But not all wrist pain is carpal tunnel syndrome. Understanding what carpal tunnel actually feels like is the first step toward finding relief on your own or with professional help.
Most common symptoms
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms often start gradually and can come and go. Many people notice them more at night or when they first wake up. As the condition progresses, the symptoms can become more constant and interfere with daily tasks.
So, what does carpal tunnel feel like? Here are the most common signs.
- Tingling and numbness: This is often the first symptom people notice. It typically affects the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers, but not the little finger. The sensation can feel like your hand has “fallen asleep.” You might feel the need to “shake out” your hand to get back to normal.
- Pain or a burning sensation: You might experience a burning or aching pain that travels up your arm. This pain can be centered in your wrist but may also radiate into your hand and forearm.
- Weakness in the hand: As the condition worsens, you may find it difficult to grip objects. Dropping things like a coffee mug or your phone may become a regular occurrence.
- Difficulty with fine motor skills: Tasks that require fine finger movements, such as buttoning a shirt, writing with a pen, or doing certain hobbies like knitting, may become challenging.
These symptoms can appear in one or both hands and can be triggered by specific activities that involve bending the wrist for extended periods.
Less common symptoms
While tingling, numbness, and weakness are the classic signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, some people experience less common symptoms that may still point to the condition. However, these symptoms might also be related to other conditions, like a forearm muscle strain or a nerve issue elsewhere in your arm.
- Swelling: Some individuals feel as though their fingers are swollen, even if there is no visible swelling. This sensation of fullness or tightness can be uncomfortable.
- Changes in temperature sensation: You might have trouble distinguishing between hot and cold temperatures with the affected fingers.
- Skin and nail changes: In advanced or long-term cases, you might notice changes in the skin on your hand. The skin can become dry, and the nails may become brittle.
- Pain radiating to the shoulder: While pain usually stays in the hand and forearm, it can sometimes travel up the arm and reach the shoulder. This is less typical but can happen in more severe cases.
If you are experiencing any of these less common symptoms, it’s a good idea to seek a professional opinion to get an accurate diagnosis before trying at-home treatments for carpal tunnel yourself.
Risk factors for carpal tunnel
Certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Some are related to your daily activities and job, while others are connected to your health and anatomy.
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements: Occupations and hobbies that involve repetitive motions are a major risk factor. This includes jobs like data entry, assembly line work, construction, or even playing a musical instrument.
- Anatomical factors: Some people are simply born with a smaller carpal tunnel, which makes them more susceptible to nerve compression. Previous wrist injuries, like a fracture or dislocation, can also alter the space around the nerve.
- Health conditions: Certain medical conditions are linked to a higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. These include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid imbalances, and obesity.
- Hormonal changes: Fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause can increase pressure within the carpal tunnel, leading to temporary symptoms.
- Poor ergonomics: An improperly set up workstation, where your wrists are bent for long periods while performing tasks, can contribute to the problem.
What to do about carpal tunnel syndrome
If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to find relief with some simple at-home strategies. However, if your symptoms persist or are getting worse, seeing a physical therapist is recommended to get a comprehensive care plan in place.
At-home care
For mild cases, you can try these steps to ease your symptoms:
- Take frequent breaks: If you suspect a specific activity is causing the issue, try to avoid doing it for hours on end. Take regular breaks when possible to rest your hands and wrists.
- Wear a wrist splint: A splint, especially worn at night, can keep your wrist in a neutral position, which helps relieve pressure on the median nerve.
- Apply cold packs: Using a cold pack when you’re in pain can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing temporary pain relief.
- Modify your activities: Make small adjustments to your daily tasks. For example, improve your workstation ergonomics or use tools with better grip support.
When to see a physical therapist
If your symptoms don’t improve with at-home care, or if they start to interfere with your daily life, it’s time to see a professional. A physical therapist can provide a thorough evaluation and create a personalized treatment plan based on the diagnosis. Ignoring persistent symptoms can lead to nerve damage and muscle atrophy.
Find relief at Back in Motion
You don’t have to live with the pain and frustration of carpal tunnel syndrome. At Back in Motion Physical Therapy, our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you find lasting relief. We use a combination of targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to address the root cause of your symptoms and restore function to your hand and wrist.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel, don’t wait for them to get worse. Call your local Back in Motion clinic or request an appointment online today for the quickest appointment scheduling.