What Causes Your Hands to Tingle? All You Need to Know
Do you experience tingling or numbness in your hands that persists? It might be more than an occasional annoyance—it could be the sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide and is typically brought about by repetitive hand action, wrist strain, or certain medical conditions. While it may seem like a bother at first, it can be treated early on to maintain hand function and overall health. Understanding what causes carpal tunnel syndrome, how it is felt, and how it can be treated can make it simpler to manage successfully.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, becomes compressed. The median nerve controls sensation and movement of the hand, and when compressed, it can result in tingling, numbness, or weakness of the palm and fingers.
The words "carpal tunnel" refer to a limited channel in the wrist through which the median nerve and several tendons pass. When swelling or inflammation takes place in this area, the space is diminished, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Although there are many causes of carpal tunnel syndrome, the most common are repetitive use of the hand, wrist overuse, and medical conditions. Typing or using handheld devices, or performing repetitive hand and wrist activities, could cause this. Other health conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances, can make it more likely to have symptoms.
Wrist injury, repeated use of vibrating machinery, and even genetics may be implicated. Fluid retention, which may occur during pregnancy, may also produce transient symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by putting additional pressure on the median nerve.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually progress over time and come and go in intensity. Tingling or burning of the fingers, particularly of the thumb, index, and mi