Are Your Symptoms Carpal Tunnel Symptoms?

Nowadays, and in this age of nonstop cell phone and computer use, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) has become an all too common condition.  Think about it:  you go to work and use a computer while taking frequent cell phone breaks throughout the day.  Then, you come home and are on your cell phone, tablet or laptop until you settle up to catch some z’s.  Our hands and wrists are constantly being used from sun up to sundown, so it really is no wonder carpal tunnel has become a common ailment nowadays.

However, it is easy to assume your wrist or hand pain to be carpal tunnel when it really could be something else.  Carpal tunnel symptoms are similar to those of other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, wrist tendonitis or pinched nerves.

Above & Beyond Physical Therapy offers a variety of physical therapy services including carpal tunnel treatment. Schedule an appointment or request a complimentary screening here.

Today, we want to breakdown carpal tunnel symptoms and how it is set apart from other conditions that share its symptoms.

Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when there is damage to the median nerve.  Inflammation affects tissue and a nerve called the median nerve that runs from the forearm to the fingers through a tunnel-like formation of bones in the wrist.   Some of the culprits causing carpal tunnel may be long-term repetitive use of the hand, a person’s age, hormonal changes, medical conditions or heredity.  The most common carpal tunnel symptoms include:

• Numbness or tingling found in the fingers most commonly the thumb, index and middle finger. This tingling sensation can occur while you are driving and holding the steering wheel, holding a phone or newspaper.  This numbness or tingling sensation may often wake you from sleeping and extend from your wrist all the way up to your arm.
• Pain or burning that radiates up toward the shoulder

• Weakness in the hand muscles. This weakness may be due to the numbness in your hand or the weakness found in the thumb.  You may also find yourself dropping items throughout the day.
• According to the , there are 4 to 10 million Americans who experience carpal tunnel syndrome.  If you think you have carpal tunnel symptoms and the symptoms interfere with your day-to-day activities or wake you up from sleep, see your doctor.  If this condition is left untreated, there can be permanent nerve and muscle damage.

According to the , there are 4 to 10 million Americans who experience carpal tunnel syndrome.  If you think you have carpal tunnel symptoms and the symptoms interfere with your day-to-day activities or wake you up from sleep, see your doctor.  If this condition is left untreated, there can be permanent nerve and muscle damage.

According to the American College of Rheumatology, there are 4 to 10 million Americans who experience carpal tunnel syndrome.  If you think you have carpal tunnel symptoms and the symptoms interfere with your day-to-day activities or wake you up from sleep, see your doctor.  If this condition is left untreated, there can be permanent nerve and muscle damage.

Above & Beyond Physical Therapy can help you to rule out similar to lesser-known conditions if it is not in fact carpal tunnel.  Fortunately, there are many treatment options if you are experiencing carpal tunnel symptoms.  Schedule an appointment with Above & Beyond today if you feel you may have carpal tunnel syndrome.