What does carpal tunnel feel like? ?

Question

I have a sharp pain that starts at my wrist and goes into my thumb, pointer finger and middle finger, sometimes it shoots up to my elbow. I do not have the ability to move it like I used to and it is painful to lift things. Does this sound like carpal tunnel

Answer 1

CTS is swelling/abnormality of the tendon sheath that covers the inside of the wrist. The tendon sheath normally protects blood vessels, nerves, etc. If it becomes inflamed, the nerve looses blood flow and certain fingers become painful all the time, and get numb or tingle. Rest, NSAIDs, and release of the tendon sheath are treatments for CTS.

You can pinch your nerve in other places, all the way up to your spine, and have similar symptoms.  A hand specialist, or plastic surgeon (sounds weird, but it's true -- plastic surgeons have more training in hands than any other specialty) would be able to diagnose and treat you.

To the below: I've assisted with many carpal tunnel release surgeries, and I've never seen or heard of treatment that involves teflon coated needles...

To diagnose you, your doctor might do a nerve conduction study, although those are notoriously wrong, along with a physical examination.

Answer 2

Sounds more like a pinched nerve somewhere in your neck or shoulder. Try acupuncture! I had the surgery for carpal tunnel 10 yrs ago. The procedure for diagnosis is EXTREMELY painful! They insert teflon coated needles, each about an inch long into your hand and pump electricity through them. Most carpal tunnel sufferers usually experience numbness in their fingertips, generally starting w/ the pinky & ring finger.

Hope this helps & good luck!