Some people don’t even realize that they have carpal tunnel syndrome. If you’ve been having pain in your wrist area, there’s a chance you may have it. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common condition that causes numbness, tingling, or weakening of your hand. It’s also sometimes referred to as median nerve compression.

When there is pressure on your median nerve, it can lead to carpal tunnel. The median nerve goes down your arm through a part of your wrist called the carpal tunnel and ends in your hand. The median nerve controls the movement and feeling of your thumb and the rest of your fingers except for the pinky.

If anything squeezes or irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space, it can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s important to remember that there is often no one single cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s often a combination of factors that is to blame.

What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

There are several symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms or have all of the following symptoms:

• Burning, tingling, or itching in your palm or fingers
• Weakness in your hand
• Trouble holding things
• Tingling that moves up your arm
• Fingers become numb at numb
• Feel symptoms flare up when you do certain tasks like driving or reading a book

If you start to experience any of these symptoms it’s important to seek treatment so that you can get relief. This type of pain can range from moderate to severe.

Can I Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

There are no proven ways to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. But, there are things you can do to minimize the pain.

Take short breaks. Stretching or gently bending your hands is a good idea, especially if you use equipment that vibrates or requires force.

Avoid bending your wrist. Bending your wrist all the way up or down is never a good idea. Try to keep it in a relaxed middle position.

Check your posture. When you have bad posture, your shoulders tend to roll forward. This can shorten your neck and shoulder muscles, compressing nerves in your neck. This can have an impact on your wrists and hands too.

Check your computer mouse. Make sure your mouse is in a comfortable position and doesn’t strain your wrist.

Keep your hands warm. When you’re in a cold environment, your hands can hurt more. If you can control the temperature, it can help you have better movement of your hands and joints.