Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) develops slowly. Initially, you’re most likely to notice it at night or when awaking first thing in the morning. You may experience a feeling similar to ‘pins-and-needles’ you get when your hand becomes numb and ‘falls asleep’.

As CTS progresses, many sufferers notice weakness in their thumb and first two fingers, making it difficult to make a fist or grip items. You may find yourself accidently dropping things or have unusual trouble holding a utensil or buttoning a shirt. You may also experience shooting pains in your wrist and arm.

Women are three times more likely than men to get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, especially during pregnancy.

How You May Get CTS

The pain in your carpal tunnel is due to excess pressure in your wrist and on the median nerve. Inflammation can cause swelling. The most common cause of this inflammation is an underlying medical condition that causes swelling in the wrist, and sometimes obstructed blood flow. Chronic inflammation can lead to scar tissue and a narrowing of the carpal tunnel, this is where the median nerve becomes compressed.