5 Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel affects about 3-6% of the adult population, causing issues that can range from mild to severe.

Our team of surgeons and Advanced Practice Providers at Crescent City Orthopedics have the expertise to diagnose and treat your carpal tunnel syndrome. We can give you the help you need at home or in our office. 

Let’s first define what carpal tunnel syndrome is.

Understanding carpal tunnel syndrome

Your carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm side of your hand, surrounded by bones and ligaments. When pressure is applied to the median nerve in your wrist, you can experience uncomfortable symptoms.

Many used to think it developed from hand strain using a computer keyboard, but that’s been dispelled as a possible myth. 

Factors contributing to carpal tunnel syndrome include older age, being a female, heredity that gives you a narrow carpal tunnel in your wrist, or medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes.

Unfortunately, 90% of cases have an unknown cause.

The five main symptoms of carpal tunnel

This common condition of the hand can cause issues, including:

1. Numbness, burning, tingling, or pain
2. Stinging sensations that move to your thumb, plus index, middle, and ring fingers
3. Pain extending down your whole hand or up to your wrist, forearm, and shoulder
4. Weakness in your hands, causing clumsiness
5. Inability to hold objects without dropping them

If you suffer from symptoms and have a job that requires the intense, repetitive use of your wrists, like working on an assembly line, your condition could worsen. We have remedies that can alleviate your pain, such as wearing a brace and others.

We consult with you about the different solutions and work together to determine which one might be best to get the results you need.

Other symptoms of carpal tunnel

The most obvious signs can certainly alert you to having carpal tunnel syndrome, but you might experience other symptoms, including:

• Itchy palms
• Stiff fingers
• Difficulty making a fist
• Skin color changes in the affected hand
• Fingers feel swollen without being swollen

If you have a severe case, you might not be able to even differentiate between hot and cold temperatures when touching items or surfaces.

Our team offers several treatments to remedy your issue and help you function without pain. We also have preventive tips to help minimize stress on your wrists, such as taking short, frequent breaks to stretch your hands and wrists or relaxing your grip on objects.

If you show any signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, call our friendly office staff or book your appointment online today at the office nearest you in Metairie, Chalmette, or Covington, Louisiana.