From the Guidelines
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers, particularly the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger, which can be diagnosed by clinical evaluation combined with electrophysiologic studies 1. These sensations often worsen at night or during activities that involve wrist flexion. You may also experience weakness in your hand, difficulty gripping objects, and a tendency to drop things.
Key Symptoms
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Pain in the hand and fingers
- Weakness in the hand
- Difficulty gripping objects Early symptoms typically include intermittent numbness that may wake you from sleep, while advanced cases can present with constant numbness, muscle weakness at the base of the thumb, and atrophy of hand muscles. These symptoms occur when the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed due to inflammation, repetitive hand movements, or conditions like pregnancy or diabetes. If you experience these symptoms, especially if they persist for weeks, it's essential to seek medical evaluation as early treatment can prevent permanent nerve damage, as suspected carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed by clinical evaluation combined with electrophysiologic studies, and further imaging is usually not needed 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) include:
- Pain and paresthesias in the distribution of the median nerve, which includes the palmar aspect of the thumb, index and middle fingers, and radial half of the ring finger 2
- Paresthesia, pain, and numbness in the radial three and one-half digits 3
- Nighttime symptoms, such as nocturnal burning pain, which are more common earlier in the disease process 3, 4
- A "pins-and-needles" sensation in the first three fingers 4
- Hand or wrist pain, weakness, or numbness 5
Physical Examination Findings
Physical examination findings that may indicate CTS include:
- Positive flick sign, Phalen maneuver, and median nerve compression test 2
- Changes in sensory conduction velocities across the wrist, which appear to be the most sensitive electrophysiologic indicators of the condition 5
Severity of Symptoms
The severity of symptoms can vary, and treatment options may depend on the severity of the condition. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may include: