Carpal tunnel syndrome is something that most people are aware of, but don’t quite know how to identify. Typically, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome show themselves gradually, so by knowing how to spot them, you can begin to take steps to control it before corrective surgery is necessary.
The first signs of carpal tunnel syndrome are usually noticed in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, followed by hand and wrist discomfort. If you begin to experience tingling and numbness in these areas, especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers, with increasing frequency, then it’s likely that you’re noticing the early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. At this stage, many people manage the pain and numbness by shaking their hands around a few times. This will provide relief at the early stages of the syndrome, but as time moves on, the pain and numbness will remain constant.
Weakness is also a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome, so if you notice a sudden drop of strength in one or both of your hands, or if you begin to frequently drop objects that you’re carrying, it’s highly likely that you’ve developed the syndrome.
Many people argue about when a person with carpal tunnel syndrome should make an appointment with a hand doctor. At Michigan Hand and Wrist, we believe that you should listen to your hands, not other people, when determining when you can no longer stand the pain and need to explore other therapeutic options.
The surgeons and staff at Michigan Hand and Wrist have extensive experience helping patients manage and overcome every type of hand, wrist, or finger condition. We seek to help our patients with noninvasive means, such as physical therapy, until a surgical procedure is absolutely necessary. If you’re seeking treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, or if you believe you’re at the point of needing surgery, contact our office to schedule an appointment.