What Causes Carpal Tunnel Numbness?
Numbness in the thumb, index, middle and/or one-half of the ring fingers is one of the first symptoms that appear in those suffering with carpal tunnel syndrome. The narrowing of the carpal tunnel, which occurs as the carpal bones collapse into the tunnel and impinge the flexor tendons, is most often the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. As the flexor tendons glide back and forth in the narrowed operating space, friction occurs and the tendons begin to swell. And as the tendons swell, they begin to impinge the Median nerve, causing it to become inflamed and swollen. This overall process is the stage that causes carpal tunnel syndrome and its associate symptoms, like numbness, to develop. This numbness is often combined with a burning or “pins-and-needles” sensation known as paresthesia. As carpal tunnel syndrome worsens, it is common for the symptoms to increase as well, causing more numbness to occur in the associated fingers. Grip strength will usually also begin to weaken. The numbne
