March 11, 2019 at 9:43 am · drsahai · 0 comments

Is My Wrist Pain from Carpal Tunnel?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a fairly common condition, however, it’s actually not the only condition that can cause serious problems with your wrists and hands. Those could include arthritis, ligament damage, wrist injury, Neuropathy, or a fracture. In any case, early treatment could make a major difference in the length of time it takes to heal. So, how do you know if your problem even is Carpal Tunnel? Well, here are a few hints about the cause as well as the usual culprits when it comes to symptoms.

Cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is pressure on the median nerve. This is the nerve responsible for giving you feeling in your thumb as well as your fingers with the exception of your pinky finger. When that pressure travels it through your wrist, it has to pass through the carpal tunnel. This is a very narrow path made up of ligaments and bone. When you experience wrist-swelling, the tunnel becomes squeezed, pinching the median nerve and causing your symptoms, which can include the following symptoms.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The symptoms usually begin slowly and include pain, tingling, burning, and numbness. You could be feeling these symptoms in your thumb and your fingers and it could start traveling up your forearm as well. Your symptoms may begin at night because of sleeping with your wrists bent, causing pressure on your median nerve. In fact, you could start waking up to the feeling that you need to shake out your hands. And, holding your wrists during the day in a constant up or down position can cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. One of the most common causes is among frequent computer users, especially those who constantly have to use their mouse. That repetitive hand motion contributes greatly to carpal tunnel.

Other symptoms may include:

1. Swollen fingers
2. Shocks in your fingers and thumb that may come and go
3. Changes in your grip and dropping things
4. Difficulty making a fist
5. Difficulty telling hot from cold by touch

If you suspect your wrist pain is coming from carpal tunnel, it might be time to get a physician to examine it. At South Florida Hand Center we offer comprehensive hand and wrist exams from the most experienced professionals. Call us today at 888-409-8006 for more information and how you can get rid of wrist pain once and for all.

Categories: Wrist