How Do I Know if My Wrist Pain is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Wrist pain can strike anyone, from desk workers and gamers to manual laborers and artists. It’s a surprisingly common issue that many people of all ages deal with, and while carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most well-known causes of wrist pain, it’s not the only possibility.

Understanding the true cause of your wrist discomfort is essential to finding relief. Misdiagnosed or untreated issues can lead to ongoing pain, frustration, and even worsening symptoms.

At Alves and Martinez, we’ll help you understand the cause of repetitive wrist strain or acute injury to help you get back to your normal routine quickly and with preventative measures for the long run.

What does carpal tunnel feel like?

Carpal tunnel syndrome often produces a distinct set of symptoms that differentiate it from general wrist pain. And because it directly affects the median nerve, which travels through the carpal tunnel in your wrist, the symptoms often radiate beyond the wrist and into the hand.

Here’s what carpal tunnel syndrome typically feels like:

• Tingling or numbness: One of the hallmark symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is a tingling or “pins and needles” sensation, primarily affecting the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. You may also experience temporary or persistent numbness in these fingers.
• Pain that worsens at night: Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome report that their pain and discomfort are worse at night, often waking them up or making it difficult to sleep.
• Weakness in the hand: Affected individuals often notice a weakened grip or difficulty holding objects, particularly thumb-related motions like pinching or grasping.
• Shocks or sharp sensations: You might feel sudden, sharp sensations in your fingers or hand, often described as shocks.

If this sounds familiar, your symptoms might be due to carpal tunnel syndrome. But before jumping to conclusions and going the self-care route, it’s worth considering other possible conditions that can cause wrist pain.

Types of wrist pain

Not all wrist pain is caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. There are other conditions and injuries that mimic its symptoms but require different treatment. Here are a few common culprits:

• Wrist sprains: Sprains are often the result of trauma, like falling onto an outstretched hand. Pain from a sprain typically occurs right after the injury and is centered in the wrist joint. Swelling and bruising may accompany the pain.
• Tendinitis: Tendinitis occurs when the tendons in the wrist become inflamed due to overuse or repetitive motions, leading to sharp pain, especially when moving the wrist.
• Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause wrist pain. Arthritis pain is often accompanied by joint stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
• Ganglion cysts: These fluid-filled cysts commonly develop on the wrist joint and can lead to localized pain or pressure, in some cases mimicking carpal tunnel symptoms.

Treating all types of wrist pain as carpal tunnel syndrome might not provide the relief you’re looking for. Instead, a professional evaluation with a physical therapist or healthcare provider can pinpoint the source of your pain and guide you toward the most effective treatment.

Do I have carpal tunnel or a sprained wrist? 

One of the most common confusions when diagnosing wrist pain is distinguishing between carpal tunnel syndrome and a sprain. Here’s a very general overview of a few common differences:

In some cases, these symptoms overlap, making it harder to distinguish on your own. An Alves and Martinez Physical Therapist can help by providing expert guidance and diagnosis after an evaluation.

Treatment options for carpal tunnel

Fortunately for people who have received a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, there are several treatment options to help. These range from conservative measures to more invasive solutions, depending on the severity of your condition:

• Wrist braces: Wearing a wrist brace, particularly at night, can help keep your wrist in a neutral position and reduce nerve pressure.
• Physical therapy: A specialized physical therapist can recommend exercises to improve wrist strength and flexibility, as well as ergonomic adjustments tailored to your daily routine.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter NSAIDs may provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation around the carpal tunnel.
• Corticosteroid injections: For more severe cases, a doctor may recommend injections to address inflammation and pain.
• Surgery: If conservative treatments fail, carpal tunnel release surgery may be an option. This procedure expands the carpal tunnel to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

Benefits of starting with physical therapy 

If you’re unsure where to start, physical therapy is often the best first step for wrist pain of all types. Here’s why:

• Affordability: Physical therapy is usually more cost-effective than surgery or prolonged dependence on medications.
• Non-invasive and low-risk: Physical therapy is based on movement, stretching, and strengthening exercises, meaning it won’t interrupt your lifestyle and carries minimal risks.
• Quick relief: Many people see significant improvement in just a few sessions without the downtime involved in surgical recovery.
• Personalized advice: A physical therapist can provide suggestions for ergonomic adjustments, appropriate wrist braces, and even tips on improving posture and hand positioning.
• Holistic care: Physical therapists not only address symptoms but also help identify and correct underlying causes to prevent future injuries.

Comprehensive hand and wrist physical therapy in Sacramento, CA

Wrist pain can interfere with everything from your work to your hobbies, but the good news is that relief is within reach. At Alves and Martinez Physical Therapy, we specialize in injuries like wrist sprains and carpal tunnel syndrome that affect people from all walks of life.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward pain-free wrists and hands, call one of our clinics or request an appointment online today. We’ll help you understand your condition, find the best treatment, and restore your health.