3 Indicators of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

3 Indicators of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Repetitive strain injuries occur when individuals overstrain tendons, nerves and muscles while performing repetitive tasks such as typing or maintaining the same posture for extended periods. Workers in many different environments, from factories to offices, develop RSIs like tendonitis. 

According to OSHA, 1.8 million workers suffer from RSIs annually. Carpal tunnel syndrome is an RSI that arises from pressure on the median nerve, a nerve that extends from the forearm to the palm of the hand, and is common in those employed in assembly line work. There are certain symptoms that may signal carpal tunnel syndrome and the need to visit an orthopedic hand surgeon Houston.

1. Unexpected Pain

Pain in the hand, particularly in the fingers and thumbs, is one sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. It may radiate from the hand into the forearm and even up to the shoulder. It may be constant or intermittent. Other injuries that cause pain such as wrist sprains or breaks may contribute to causing carpal tunnel syndrome and their occurrence does not exclude the possibility of having it. 

2. Abnormal Weakness

Sudden spurts of weakness of the hands and wrists is another possible indicator of this RSI. Difficulty picking up or gripping objects or performing tasks that need delicacy of the fingers is not uncommon. 

3. Unusual Sensations

Numbness, tingling or burning or some combination thereof are also symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Some individuals may experience a shock-like feeling. These may occur in the hand, wrist, arm and shoulder.

These symptoms may also indicate other conditions, so it is important to receive a diagnosis. All of these may make themselves known when doing tasks that require grasping things (driving, writing, washing dishes, etcetera) or randomly at night. While there are non-surgical treatments, depending on the severity of the case, some individuals may require surgery.

Related posts