Carpal tunnel is one of the most common repetitive use conditions people face these days. However, just because it’s common doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to recognize the signs and symptoms if you develop them. You need to know exactly what to look for so you can seek the appropriate medical treatment and physical therapy services for your needs. Here are a few of the key signs and symptoms you should watch for.

Sharp Pains Along Your Wrist

Carpal tunnel syndrome impacts the way your hands and wrists can move and react in different tasks and situations. Think about the way your forearms, wrists, and hands feel when you’re typing, writing, or even washing dishes. If you feel sharp pains consistently anytime you attempt one of these tasks, you likely have carpal tunnel.

Pain When You’re Sleeping

When you’re asleep, your body moves and shifts to help alleviate strain on your muscles and help you achieve a good night’s rest. However, when you have carpal tunnel, you’ll often find that good, uninterrupted sleep is hard to come by. Your hands and wrists may start to experience pain anytime you move against the mattress or under the covers. These actions can put strain on your arms and may trigger enough of a pain response to wake you up. If this happens frequently, it’s time to speak with a doctor.

You Can’t Tell If Something Is Hot or Cold

Though carpal tunnel is most commonly associated with wrist pain, it can also mess with the way your nerves respond to different conditions. Pay attention to the way certain items feel in your hand. If you pick up a glass of ice water and it doesn’t feel cold or grab a cup of coffee and can’t tell if it’s hot or cold, you may want to speak with your doctor. Though this could be caused by other neurological conditions, it’s also a tell-tale sign of carpal tunnel. 

What You Can Do If You Have Carpal Tunnel

Getting diagnosed with carpal tunnel can feel like a major blow. After all, it seems like you’re never going to be able to get back to normal and have the full range of motion you’ve had before. Luckily, recovery is possible, but you’ll need to speak with your doctor to discuss your options. Some people respond well with simple physical therapy sessions while others with more severe cases may need surgery before going through physical therapy to see the results they want. Whatever the case is, know that it is possible to get your body back to normal. It just takes time.

Reach Out Now

If you’ve been diagnosed with carpal tunnel, don’t just accept the pain. Contact your doctor as soon as you can and let them assess your condition. If they recommend that you start going to physical therapy, make an appointment with your nearest location and start learning how to regain strength and mobility in your wrists and hands as quickly as you can.