

But without treatment the symptoms of carpal tunnel generally get worse with time.Īll sorts of viral infections can cause hand tingling, says Satkowiak. Important: Even with surgery, the symptoms of carpal tunnel can last for up to six months. The surgery releases pressure on the nerve by cutting the ligament in the carpal tunnel that's pinching it. If none of the above attempts work, or if your symptoms are severe, your doctor might recommend surgery, known as a carpal tunnel release. Physical therapy can teach you certain exercises to relieve pressure on the nerve and improve discomfort.Steroid injections are considered one of the most effective treatments for carpal tunnel and have been shown to improve symptoms in as little as two to four weeks.This might include using an ergonomic keyboard, which is generally lower to the desk, or taking a break between repetitive motions.

Ergonomic adjustments at work to avoid hyperflexion.Wearing a brace to avoid flexing the wrist too much, which can irritate the pinched nerve more.Treatments for carpal tunnel focus on relieving pressure on the median nerve, so that it sends normal neurological signals.

If the signals are weak or slow, it confirms that the nerve is indeed pinched, providing a diagnosis of carpal tunnel. They're also three-times more common in women, and can flare up in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.ĭiagnosis and treatment: Carpal tunnel is typically diagnosed by an initial physical exam followed by electrodiagnostic testing, which measures the strength and speed of the electrical signal from the median nerves into the surrounding muscles in your wrist and fingers. Symptoms of carpal tunnel can be worse in the mornings, Satkowiak says. The condition happens when the median nerve, one of three major nerves in the arm, is pinched in an area of the wrist called the carpal tunnel. It affects all the fingers except the pinky.Ĭarpal tunnel is a specific type of pinched nerve, says Gittings. Usually, the tingling is accompanied by pain, numbness, and weakness, but typically only in one hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common cause of tingling in the hands.
