Do I Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Do you feel tingling, numbness, or pain in your fingers (your thumb, and index, middle and ring fingers, but never in your little finger) or hand?

Do you feel pain in your wrist or hand, extending to the elbow or shoulder?

Do you feel occasional shock-like sensations in your thumb, and index, middle and ring fingers?

Do you feel occasional shock-like sensations while holding a steering wheel or a phone, or perhaps can wake you from sleep?

Do you feel “shocks” come and go in your thumb and fingers?

Do you feel like your hand is swollen, even if it is not?

Do you found yourself dropping things more often, due to numbness in your hand?

Do you have difficulty handling small objects, such as buttons on your shirt?

Do you find it difficult to close your fist?

Do you often engage in repetitive hand motions during the day, such as typing on a computer keyboard?

Do you have health problems such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity or a previous wrist facture?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have carpal tunnel syndrome. Having healthy hands is vital for every person, so if you feel discomfort or weakness in your hands or arms, consult your GP or your orthopedist.

Based on your answers, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist, through which the median nerve passes. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the compression of the median nerve. Anything that presses or irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel can lead to numbness, tingling and weakness in your hands. It is best to see a doctor as soon as symptoms appear. Your doctor can diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome based on your medical history, physical examination and tests called nerve conduction studies. Treatment, including wrist splinting, medications and surgery can relieve the symptoms and restore wrist and hand function.