If you notice discomfort in your hands or wrists, how can you tell if it’s a passing problem or something that’s worth mentioning to your doctor, like carpal tunnel syndrome? Experts recommend making a judgment call based on the frequency and intensity of your symptoms.

“Someone who has a sore wrist after a single day of using power tools around the house may recover uneventfully, while another person who uses vibrating power tools every day at work may experience wrist pain and tingling in the fingers on a regular basis,” says Samir Sodha, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hand surgery. “If your symptoms dissipate quickly and don't return, it may not be worth a doctor’s visit, but continued pains that wake you up or persistent numbness should warrant a conversation with your physician.”

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of a nerve called the median nerve; it runs through the wrist and into the hand. Within the wrist, the median nerve passes through a narrow area known as the carpal tunnel. Uncomfortable symptoms may arise if there isn’t enough room for the median nerve within the carpal tunnel.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Pain in the hand or fingers
• Tingling in the wrist, hand or fingers
• Wrist, hand or finger numbness
• Weakened hands or fingers

Some people experience carpal tunnel syndrome in one hand; other people may have discomfort in both hands and it doesn’t necessarily affect the dominant hand. 

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are several reasons why a person’s carpal tunnel may be too tight for their median nerve, leading to nerve compression and uncomfortable symptoms. Common reasons include:

• Injuries such as a wrist fracture resulting in a more compressed carpal tunnel
• Chronic conditions that cause wrist and hand inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Persistent repetitive use of the hands causing swelling in the tendons (crowding the median nerve)
• Fluid retention during pregnancy, which may put pressure on the median nerve
• An inherited narrow carpal tunnel

Additionally, diabetes may damage nerves in affected people, including the median nerve. This may lead to tingling or numbness.

If your work requires you to perform repetitive wrist motions, which may add pressure to the median nerve, that may cause carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.

Curling your wrists beneath your pillow at night may also put pressure on the median nerve, leading to numbness, tingling or other symptoms that you may notice when you awaken in the morning or even may wake you up in the middle of the night.

Reasons to Mention Carpal Tunnel Pain to Your Doctor

If ongoing pain, numbness or weakness in your wrist, hand or fingers begins to impact your quality of life, make an appointment with your doctor to see if your symptoms may be signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Some wrist pain may indicate tendonitis, arthritis or another condition, so you shouldn’t self-diagnose any hand or wrist discomfort.

It may be time to see a doctor if:

• Your symptoms are keeping you from working effectively, because typing or holding power tools for extended periods has become too uncomfortable
• You’re unable to continue doing some of your favorite activities due to discomfort, such as cooking, gardening or riding a bike
• Pain or discomfort awakens you from your sleep
• You’ve begun dropping things because your grip has weakened

Different treatments are available for people with carpal tunnel syndrome, including:

• Taking breaks from repetitive activities to stretch and relax the wrists
• Wearing a splint to sleep at night
• Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Receiving steroid injections to reduce inflammation within the wrist
• Having surgery to make more room within the carpal tunnel

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Samir Sodha, M.D.
• To make an appointment with Dr. Sodha, or a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.