If you have pain or a tingling sensation in your hand and fingers, you may be at risk of developing a condition called carpal tunnel syndrome.
But why does this condition occur?
A nerve called the median nerve travels from your arm through a narrow passage in your wrist made of bones, called the carpal tunnel, and continues into your hand.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when this median nerve becomes compressed at this point.
Who is at risk?
People with conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Hypothyroidism
People who have had wrist bone fractures are also at risk.
In addition, people who work with vibrating tools, such as:
- Electrical work
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
Also have a higher risk.
People who repeatedly perform the same wrist and hand movements in their jobs are also more likely to develop this condition.
Pregnant women and individuals who are overweight are also at increased risk.
What happens if you develop this condition?
You may experience:
- A tingling or “pins and needles” sensation in the thumb side of the hand and the first three fingers
- Pain in the palm
- Pain that may extend up to the elbow
In many people, symptoms are worse at night.
You may also develop weakness in your grip strength, making daily activities difficult, such as:
- Accidentally releasing the handrail while traveling on a bus
- Difficulty pressing the brake while riding a motorcycle
- Difficulty squeezing coconuts or wringing wet clothes
You may even drop heavy objects without noticing.