Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

Where is my carpal tunnel?

Your carpal tunnel is a shallow and narrow passage in the palmar side of your wrist. It is surrounded by the bones of your wrist, many tendons that run through it and your median nerve. Your median nerve controls the sensation in your thumb, index, middle and half of your ring finger. Carpal tunnel symptoms can occur for a few different reasons.  

Because so many structures pass through this narrow structure, if there is any swelling, the median nerve gets compressed which results in carpal tunnel syndrome. 

What are the symptoms? 

• Pins and needles into the fingers 
• Numbness in the first 3 fingers
• Sharp pain in the wrist 
• Weakness of the hand 
• Increased pain in gripping and putting pressure on your palm

Common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome

There are no real causes of carpal tunnel syndrome but here are a few factors that can increase the your risk: 

• Pregnancy: due to fluid retention and the compression of the median nerve. 

• Overuse injuries: where the tendons that pass through the carpal tunnel can get inflamed. 

• Arthritis: such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause swelling and inflammation.

If you have any tingly fingers or wrist pain that you think may be carpal tunnel symptoms, come on in and get it checked out! Give us a call at 8599 9811 or book in here to see one of our physiotherapists today. 

By Physiotherapist, Vanessa Boon