Carpal tunnel symptoms usually affect the hand and sometimes the forearm, but they can also spread into the shoulder. Symptoms include numbness in your hand, forearm or wrist; dull, sharp or shooting pain in your hand; occasional tingling or “pins and needles” sensation similar to your hand falling asleep; hand swelling; or numbness or pain that increases when you are using your hand or wrist. You could have reduced strength and grip in your fingers or hand. It may be hard to do simple hand movements such as brushing your hair or holding a fork. Symptoms may occur in both hands but will usually be worse in one hand. Not all pain in the wrist or hand is caused by carpal tunnel syndrome; pain may also be caused by muscle injury, nerve problems or arthritis.
CPS physicians specialize in carpal tunnel and encourage patients to schedule a visit whenever symptoms interfere with daily life and sleep. Carpal tunnel treatment can include wrist splints, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections or surgery.