One minute you’re asleep, the next you’re awake and wondering why your hand is numb, tingling, and feeling like it is asleep. This is what it feels like to have carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel. It typically affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers, and is usually worse at night. Carpal tunnel syndrome mostly affects middle-aged women.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms of carpal tunnel are typically felt in the hand and forearm, but sometimes they can spread to the shoulder. Some common symptoms include:

• Numbness or pain in hand, forearm, or wrist that wakes you up at night
• Weakness in hand
• A “pins-and-needles” sensation that occurs occasionally
• Stiffness in your fingers first thing in the morning
• Occasional aching pain in your forearm between your elbow and wrist

Carpal tunnel syndrome can often be treated at home by wearing a wrist splint and avoiding activities that trigger your symptoms. Physical therapy, medications, or surgery may be recommended if your symptoms keep coming back or do not get better with home treatment.

You should seek help from a medical professional if:

• Your symptoms do not go away after a few weeks of home treatment
• You cannot do simple hand movements
• You cannot pinch your thumb and index finger together
• Have developed little or no feeling in your hand or fingers

FastMed Urgent Care is open 365 days a year with extended hours to provide you with prompt and personal medical treatment. If the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome have you worried, don’t hesitate to stop by. Each of our clinics offers orthopedic services, and our staff is trained in adult and pediatric urgent care.

About FastMed

FastMed is a leading provider of high-quality, convenient, affordable, and compassionate healthcare in 34 counties across North Carolina. FastMed serves both urban and rural communities across the state with a wide range of care options, including preventive, telemedicine, occupational health, and primary and urgent care. FastMed is one of the few urgent care providers in the nation that has earned The Joint Commission’s coveted Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety, and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information, visit www.fastmed.com.