Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

We’ve probably all known someone who has had carpal tunnel. They come to work with a wrist sleeve or a compression wrist support and complain about how difficult it is to still function effectively in their job assignment. This injury can be even more difficult to manage depending on the job you have. 

Two of the most common are typists and tennis players. These activities use the wrist and bones in the hand that creates the carpal tunnel. There is a nerve in this area called the median nerve. Whenever this nerve is compressed or pinched, it can cause many symptoms including pain. 

Below are three of the most common symptoms: 

1. Hand falling asleep 

A common complaint is that one or both hands feel as though they have fallen asleep. We know that this can happen if you keep your hand or arm in the wrong position for a period. However, check if this is happening at night or when you first awaken in the morning. The injury is known to cause this symptom at these times. 


2. Weakness in the hand 

If you’re having trouble doing ordinary tasks, this could be a sign of weakness and a symptom of carpal tunnel. Sometimes, it is hard to hold on to things. Objects can fall out of your hands without warning. 


3. Swelling in the hand 

Whenever there is swelling in your hand, and especially with pain, see a doctor. You could be a victim of a carpal tunnel. The doctor can test to see if you have the injury or not. He can eliminate other causes and come up with the best course of action. 

After a doctor examines you, he may suggest a wrist sleeve or a compression wrist support. The severity of the injury will influence his selection. How much pain you are experiencing will also be a contributing factor. Remember to keep the brace on at night. This will keep your wrist straight and prevent symptoms from flaring up. The idea is to stabilize your wrist and reduce or eliminate the symptoms listed. You will be able to manage your daily activities much better and sometimes even without pain. 

If surgery is necessary, wearing a brace is all the more important, as complete recovery could take as long as a year. During this post-surgery time, you will certainly benefit from a quality support brace, with the knowledge that pain and major symptoms resolve a couple of months after surgery. 

We may not be able to avoid this injury sometime during our lives, but a quality wrist brace will make it more manageable during recovery.