Signs Your Wrist Pain Could Be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Wrist pain can make simple things like typing, driving, or holding a coffee cup uncomfortable. If you’ve been dealing with tingling or aching in your hand, you might be wondering if it’s carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

At Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics (OIB Ortho), our board-certified orthopedic surgeons help people with hand and wrist issues every day. We’ll figure out what’s causing your pain and find the best way to treat it at our offices in Edison, Red Bank, Freehold, Wall, Brick, Toms River, Lacey, and Manahawkin, New Jersey.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve in your wrist becomes compressed. This nerve controls feeling and movement in your thumb, index, and middle fingers. When too much pressure is put on it – whether from repetitive motions, wrist injuries, or conditions like arthritis – it can cause pain and numbness.

The problem usually gets worse over time, so catching it early is important to prevent lasting damage.

Signs You Might Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

CTS doesn’t show up overnight – it starts with small signs that gradually become more severe. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• Tingling or numbness in your thumb, index, and middle fingers
• A burning or “pins-and-needles” feeling in your hand
• Pain that gets worse at night or after lots of wrist movement
• Weakened grip, making it harder to hold objects like a phone or a pen
• Dropping things more often because your hand feels weak or clumsy

How OIB Ortho Can Help

At OIB Ortho, our board-certified orthopedic doctors see cases like yours every day, so you’re in the right hands. Depending on your symptoms, we might recommend:

• Wrist splints to keep your hand in a good position while you sleep
• Anti-inflammatory treatments to help with pain and swelling
• Physical therapy to improve movement and strength
• Minimally invasive procedures if the nerve needs more space to move freely

Struggling With Wrist Pain? See a Specialist

If your wrist pain is sticking around and making everyday tasks harder, it’s time to get it checked out. Call 732-800-9000 to schedule an appointment with a hand and wrist specialist at OIB Ortho today.

We have offices in Edison, Red Bank, Freehold, Wall, Brick, Toms River, Lacey, and Manahawkin, so expert care is always close by.