Carpal Tunnel Warning Signs

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a very serious condition that can cause permanent nerve and muscle damage when left untreated. There are many common warning signs associated with this condition and knowing these warning signs can be beneficial when it comes to getting an early diagnosis and proper treatment to prevent any permanent damage. In ninety nine percent of individuals diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, a full recovery from symptoms is experienced. 

Common Warning Signs of Carpal Tunnel 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is typically caused by a frequent and repetitive motion of the hand and wrist on a daily basis which commonly occurs in many individuals while performing work related duties. The early warning signs of carpal tunnel are typically numbness in the fingers including the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers.

These symptoms may be only temporary in the beginning and ease up only to reoccur a short time later. This is caused by an inflammation in the tissues of the wrist that press down on the median nerve which can also cause individuals to experience pain in the wrist and hand as well as the numbness in the fingers. 

Another common warning sign of carpal tunnel is when the numbness and pain causes an individual to waken from sleep or have the inability to fall asleep due to severe pain. A dull aching pain may also be experienced in the area between the elbow and wrist and upon wakening; it is common for sufferers to feel stiffness in their fingers. 

In severe cases of carpal tunnel, shooting pains may occur in the wrists and hands as well as up into the forearm. When these shooting pains are present along with the numbness and tingling this is one of the most common and strongest indications of carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Signs of Progression in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

When the condition of carpal tunnel syndrome is left untreated, the inflamed tissue continues to press on the nerve which causes the condition to worsen. A loss of grip may be experienced which may causes an individual to frequently drop objects when attempting to pick them up.  

This can cause permanent muscle and nerve damage in which the sufferer will feel intense pain and their hands may experience periods of being cold while their forearms will become warm. As the condition worsens the individual may also experience shoulder, neck and back pain. 

Another warning sign of severe carpal tunnel is when the muscles of the thumb begin to incur damage which causes the individual to experience a loss of strength. This loss of strength will be noticeable when attempting to accomplish every day tasks such as brushing hair, opening up a jar or when picking up even the smallest of objects such as a pen or screwdriver.

While all these warning signs can be indicative of carpal tunnel, there are many other medical related conditions that can mimic the symptoms of this condition, therefore, a medical evaluation should be obtained for a proper diagnosis.