Signs & Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome typically follow a pattern. But they could be different for you compared to somebody else.

1. How Carpal Tunnel Begins

Usually, carpal tunnel syndrome begins with symptoms in your palm and fingers. But your little finger is never affected. This "Mild Stage" can last for a few months, depending on how much you stress your hand.

• You feel mild numbness or tingling (pins & needles)
• Sometimes mild pain is the first symptom you have
• Usually your thumb and forefinger are worse
• Some people feel a burning, itching or puffy feeling
• Numbness, tingling or pain will wake you at night

2. As Carpal Tunnel Advances

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually advances and worsens if left untreated. This "Moderate Stage" generally comes on rapidly. It can progress over a period of 1-4 months, depending on how much you stress your hand.

• All symptoms increase in intensity and duration
• Symptoms will come and go during the day as well as at night
• Your hands may feel clumsy or weak (difficulty tying a shoelace, buttoning a shirt, picking up coins)
• You may be dropping objects often
• You begin to lose grip strength and dexterity
• You may begin to lose sensations of hot and cold in your fingers

3. Carpal Tunnel's Final Attack on Your Hand

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, carpal tunnel syndrome worsens even more. Essentially, your symptoms are very severe and you have catastrophic loss of hand function. This is the "Severe Stage", which can progress over a period of 2-4 months, depending on how much you stress your hand.

• Symptoms persist all day and night
• Numbness is usually described as "crushing"
• The intense pain is often described as "cruel" or "punishing"
• Using you hand to do just about anything is difficult due to clumsiness and loss of grip strength
• Your loss of temperature sensitivity is much greater
• In many patients, their thumb muscle (the fleshy bump at the base of your thumb) degenerates. This is evident by its wrinkling and flattening out (called atrophy or "wasting").

4. What Can Be Done?

Whatever you do, don't let carpal tunnel syndrome progress. If left untreated, it will almost certainly worsen. You can confirm you have carpal tunnel, and also learn it's severity using the buttons below. Click on these complimentary tools now....

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