Why You Should Never Ignore Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the nerve in the channel of your wrist gets compressed. While men and women can develop this condition, women are three times more likely to do so. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually develops slowly, and the symptoms can go unnoticed for some time. People who spend lots of time typing — which may require unnaturally bending your wrists over the keyboard — or have a profession in which they frequently use their hands are likely candidates for developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

The staff at Orthocenter, with four locations in New Jersey, can diagnose you and offer an effective treatment plan. Read on to learn the symptoms, causes, and how it can be treated.

Common symptoms to watch out for

You may be experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome if you have:

Chronic wrist pain
Numbness or tingling in your wrist
Weakness in your hand
A weakened grip
Tingly fingers
Fingers that feel swollen even if they don’t appear swollen

Wrist injuries and the position in which you use your wrists the most can contribute to some of these symptoms.

Common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome

People with smaller wrists may be more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. But no matter what size your wrists are, there are other ways to pinch the nerves in your wrists:

Using your hands and wrists often

Repeated hand or finger movements, such as in typing, can inflame your tendons, which can result in pressed or pinched nerves.

Certain health conditions

Arthritis or diabetes that goes untreated can lead to inflammation and pinched nerves in your wrists.

Change in hormones

A thyroid disorder or another disruption in your hormones, such as pregnancy or menopause, can increase your chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Why it’s important to get treatment

Untreated carpal tunnel syndrome can result in muscles loss or permanent nerve damage. This can render your affected wrist immobile or cause mobility issues. At the very least, carpal tunnel syndrome can make it difficult for you to participate in the physical activities you enjoy.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend pain medication, immobilization with a splint, or corrective surgery.

If you’re concerned that you might have carpal tunnel syndrome, book an appointment with Orthocenter online or over the phone at one of our four New Jersey locations today.