Here are some things to know if you have risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome or think you might be affected by it:

1) The earlier the condition is detected and treated, the better the treatment options are. Treatment options in the early stages are numerous. Some options include manipulation of the wrist, elbow, upper spine, ultrasound therapy, and wrist supports – all of these are easy and noninvasive. Letting the condition deteriorate increases the risk of surgical intervention or permanent nerve damage.

2) Symptoms can arise even at times when the hands are resting. Though carpal tunnel syndrome is often associated with work tasks, a distinguishing feature of the condition is that tingling, pain, numbness, and other symptoms appear at all hours.

3) Risk factors are numerous. Far from just being related to occupation (although certain occupations do have a higher risk), carpal tunnel syndrome’s other risk factors include gender, age, injuries, family history, and many more issues. We can evaluate your symptoms and risk factors together and determine the best course of treatment for you.

Signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel include:

• Nighttime painful tingling in one or both hands, frequently causing sleep disturbance
• Feeling of uselessness in the fingers
• A sense that fingers are swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent
• Daytime tingling in the hands, followed by a decreased ability to squeeze things
• Loss of strength in the muscle at the base of the thumb, near the palm
• Pain shooting from the hand up the arm as far as the shoulder