When you reach for that trusty old drill or a favorite jacket, there will likely come a time when the drill will stall and the jacket will develop a hole in the elbow. The same thing happens when parts of your body experience overuse from repetitive motions. The result? Pain, movement challenges, and other discomfort.
The nerve condition that elicits the most frequent lamentations from patients is also related to repetitive motion — carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a type of neuropathy, a condition that affects the peripheral nervous system, or nerves that reside outside of your brain and spinal cord.
In this post, we’ll be delving into not only the common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, but also those that aren’t as well-known.
The expert provider team at Houston Neurological Institute offers a wider range of services — from treatment for multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease to sleep disorders and epilepsy — but they also help patients coping with many types of neuropathy, including carpal tunnel syndrome.
They’re dedicated to giving you relief and creating a long-term treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs.
First, let’s cover exactly what’s happening when you experience carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms like hand and wrist pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness.
The reason is that the major nerve in your hand, known as the median nerve, becomes compressed. It runs to your wrist, so symptoms aren’t often limited to just your hand.
Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include having a family history of carpal tunnel syndrome, being female, and being over the age of 40. Living with other health conditions, like diabetes or a thyroid condition, also puts you at risk.
However, the most significant contributor to carpal tunnel syndrome may be performing repetitive motions, often related to work, like using power tools or typing. Your risk increases if you use any type of vibrating tool, like a jackhammer, as well.
There are symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome that aren’t easily recognizable, since they’re not the ones that are most talked about.
Sure, you’ve heard of the ache or sharp pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, and the tingling and loss of sensation, but bear in mind — these other signs can point to the condition, as well.
The hand and wrist weakness that accompanies carpal tunnel syndrome also impacts your grasp, so you may notice that you drop objects unexpectedly.
Remember, if you drop that bowl or flower pot, it might not be a clumsy fluke.
Unfortunately, carpal tunnel pain may not stay localized to just your hand or wrist. It can move up your arm, causing elbow and even shoulder pain.
You may not equate fine motor movements with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Though symptoms are often related to movements performed on jobs that require physical labor, routine acts like applying eye makeup or even manipulating a steering wheel can worsen your carpal tunnel numbness and pain.
Though pregnancy isn’t technically a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome, being pregnant is a time when its symptoms can emerge. This is due to increased water retention putting additional pressure on the median nerve during those nine months.
It may seem that carpal tunnel symptoms would only be noticeable during the day, when you’re physically active and doing things with your hands.
However, carpal tunnel pain can rear its head at night, too, just when you’re wanting to get some rest.
Pain, numbness, and other symptoms occur for several reasons. You may fall asleep with your wrist in an awkward position that puts pressure on your median nerve, the fluids in your body sometimes accumulate in your hands and wrists to cause compression, and simply not moving at night can irritate your median nerve.
If you experience any of these more unusual signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, as opposed to the few that are most often highlighted, take notice and come into the office for a consultation.
You shouldn’t have to live with carpal tunnel discomfort. We offer effective treatments, including:
When conservative treatments fail, your Houston Neurological Institute provider may recommend carpal tunnel surgery, during which they snip the ligament that’s pressing on your median nerve to relieve the pressure.
It’s important to understand that you shouldn’t avoid seeking treatment for your carpal tunnel syndrome, since this can lead to permanent damage of your median nerve.
If you suspect you have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, call our Pearland or Pasadena office to schedule an appointment, or book one online.
