How to Know if You Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If you’re feeling numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in your in your hand or wrist, you may be wondering whether you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In this article we set forth some general ways to determine if you may be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Of course, the best way to diagnosis Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is to be evaluated by a specialized hand doctor such as Dr. Rehman. She has treated thousands of cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in her Shelby Township and Bloomfield Hills offices.

After reading the information below, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rehman at her Shelby Township or Bloomfield Hills office so she can diagnose whether you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Understanding what carpal tunnel syndrome is can often help you determine if it is – or may be – the cause of your current symptoms.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs the length of the arm and ends in the hand. This nerve goes through a passage in the wrist called the “carpal tunnel” and controls the movement and the feeling of your thumb and all your fingers, except your pinky.

When the carpal tunnel is narrowed – typically as a result of swelling – numbness and swelling can occur in the thumb and fingers (except the pinky).

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Often people aren’t sure what brought on their carpal tunnel syndrome, but it is usually due to repetitive motion or an underlying disease or medical condition.

Repetitive motions of the wrist that you do over and over – such as typing, playing an instrument, cutting hair, or using a screwdriver – can cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is especially likely when your hands are lower than your wrist during the repetitive action.

Medical conditions including hypothyroidism, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and even pregnancy can also cause the “carpal tunnel” to swell and narrow – and put pressure on the nerve.

Do I Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is usually associated with numbness and tingling in the thumb or first four fingers, but not intense pain. And, although the nerve runs through the wrist, the wrist area is not where the symptoms or discomfort will be.

If you have numbness and tingling in the thumb or first four fingers you may have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If your work involves repetitive activities of the hand and wrist, you may also be a candidate for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

If you are able to take a break from your repetitive activities and the condition improves, that can also be a sign that you do indeed have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!

You can also try putting ice on your wrist (or soaking it in an ice bath) for 10 to 15 minutes, once or twice an hour. If this provides relief from the tingling and numbness, it may also indicate that you are suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Getting Diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and do not get it treated, it can last a long time and even get considerably worse – eventually making it impossible to work. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can also go away and then return.

Dr. Rehman has a wide range of medical tests that she can use to accurately diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – or any other condition of the hand or wrist – so that you can get the treatment you need as soon as possible.

She can also order lab tests, such as blood work, to look for underlying diseases like diabetes that can damage your nerves.

Bloomfield Hills Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Doctor

If you think you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat the effects of conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.

Bloomfield Hills Carpal Tunnel Doctor: 248.335.2638