Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

5 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you’ve ever experienced tingling fingers, wrist pain, or difficulty gripping objects, you might be showing early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This common condition affects as many as one in three workers in the U.S., particularly those whose jobs involve repetitive hand movements, like typing, crafting, or operating tools.

Ignoring CTS symptoms can lead to worsening pain and even permanent nerve damage, so early diagnosis is key. Below, we’ll explore five key signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, how it develops, and what you can do about it.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm, becomes compressed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway formed by wrist bones and ligaments, and when pressure builds up, it can pinch the nerve, causing discomfort and impairing hand function.

CTS often progresses gradually, and without treatment, symptoms can worsen over time. That’s why it’s important to recognize early warning signs and seek proper care before permanent nerve damage occurs.

5 Key Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Numbness and Tingling in the Fingers

A hallmark symptom of CTS is a pins-and-needles sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. This tingling may extend up the arm and often worsens while using your hands or at night. Many people wake up shaking their hands in an attempt to relieve discomfort.

Persistent Wrist and Hand Pain

If your wrist or hand aches, especially after repetitive movements like typing, writing, or gripping objects, it could indicate CTS. Pain may radiate from the wrist into the fingers or forearm and intensify during activities requiring fine motor skills.

Weakness and Loss of Grip Strength

Struggling to hold small objects, grip a steering wheel, or open jars? CTS can cause a weakening of the hand muscles, making everyday tasks harder. Over time, untreated nerve compression may lead to muscle atrophy in the palm.

A Burning or Electric Shock Sensation

Many CTS sufferers describe a burning, zapping, or electric-like pain in their fingers or palm. This discomfort can come and go initially but may become more frequent and intense as the condition progresses.

Worsening Symptoms at Night

CTS symptoms commonly flare up at night, often waking people from sleep. This happens because many people sleep with bent wrists, increasing pressure on the median nerve. If you frequently wake up with numb or painful hands, CTS may be the culprit.

How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, a specialist can diagnose CTS through:

Physical exams to assess strength, sensation, and nerve response
Electrodiagnostic tests, including nerve conduction studies and electromyography
Ultrasound imaging to evaluate nerve compression

Since CTS can be mistaken for other conditions, like arthritis or tendonitis, seeing a hand specialist instead of a general practitioner can ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Nonsurgical Treatments

In early stages, lifestyle adjustments can help relieve symptoms, including:

Wrist splints to keep your hand in a neutral position
Activity modifications, such as adjusting your grip or changing typing posture
Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
Physical therapy and nerve gliding exercises
Corticosteroid injections to ease inflammation

Surgical Treatments

If symptoms persist or worsen, surgery may be necessary. Carpal tunnel release surgery involves cutting the ligament pressing on the median nerve to relieve pressure. There are two main approaches:

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release: A minimally invasive procedure using a tiny camera and small incision, resulting in a faster recovery and less postoperative pain.
Open carpal tunnel surgery: A traditional method involving a larger incision in the palm, typically used for severe or recurrent CTS cases.

Another emerging technique is WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet) surgery, which eliminates the need for sedation, reducing downtime and costs.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore CTS Symptoms

Left untreated, CTS can cause permanent nerve damage. Severe cases can lead to loss of sensation, chronic weakness, and difficulty performing daily tasks. If you notice any of the five key symptoms, it’s best to seek medical advice sooner rather than later.

The good news is that carpal tunnel surgery has a success rate of over 90 percent, and many people experience immediate relief from tingling and numbness. Recovery is typically fast, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few weeks.

Have Questions About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

If you suspect you might have CTS, don’t wait—early intervention can prevent long-term complications. Request an appointment with Dr. Donnelly today to discuss your symptoms and explore the best treatment options for you.

By taking action now, you can relieve your pain, regain function, and get back to doing what you love—without discomfort. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common but treatable condition, especially when caught early. By recognizing the five key signs—numbness, pain, weakness, burning sensations, and nighttime flare-ups—you can take proactive steps to protect your hand health.

Whether you’re looking for preventative tips, nonsurgical solutions, or surgical expertise, Dr. Donnelly’s team is here to help. Don’t let CTS control your life—take action today.

About Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly, MD

Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly is a board certified orthopedic hand specialist with Pontchartrain Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Dr. Donnelly completed his hand and microsurgery fellowship at the prestigious Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center. Dr. Donnelly treats all ages of patients in the greater New Orleans area for hand, wrist, and elbow conditions.

This site is not intended to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this website and links to other websites, Brandon P. Donnelly, MD provides general information for educational purposes only. The content provided in this website and links, is not a substitute for medical care or treatment. You should not use this information in place of a consultation or the advice of your healthcare provider. Brandon P. Donnelly, MD is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.