Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

weakness in one or both hands
numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands
numbness or tingling of the palm of the hand
wrist or hand pain in one or both hands
pain extending to the elbow
impaired fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands
weak grip or difficulty carrying bags (a common complaint)
atrophy of the muscular bulge under the thumb (in advanced or chronic cases)

More detailed information about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness, burning, tingling, and a prickly pin-like sensation over the palm surface of the hand, and into the thumb, forefinger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. Some individuals notice a shooting pain which goes from the wrist up the arm, or down into the hand and fingers. With continued median nerve compression, an individual may begin to experience muscle weakness, making it difficult to open jars and hold objects with the affected hand. Eventually, the muscles of the hand served by the median nerve may begin to grow noticeably smaller (atrophy), especially the fleshy part of the thumb. Untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome may eventually result in permanent weakness, loss of sensation, or even paralysis of the thumb and fingers of the affected hand.

Modified 3-8-04
Information compiled from the National Institutes of Health

Carpal tunnel

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