How do I know if I have Carpal Tunnel ?

[Nina777]

What are the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel?  My right hand from time to time has some pain from my elbow to my fingers with some numbness.  If I massage my hand or flex my fingers it is better or change the position (elevation) of my hand.  I thought the uncomfortness may have resulted from many allergy shots in the right arm.  But I am thinking more toward Carpal Tunnel.
Thanks!!

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
     Thanks for writing in. Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is due to compression of median nerve at the wrist, causing numbness, pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers progressing to burning pain in the same area. Do you feel numbness in whole hand or in the first three fingers?
The conditions in which this is common is hypothyroidism, pregnancy, repetitive use of fingers like in carpenters, use of key board or computers etc.
Physical examination, EMG and Nerve conduction test are useful in making diagnosis. Consult a orthopedician for further workup on this.
All the best.

[dai3symae]

My hand was cold especially at night.  My fingers (mostly index and middle) were numb and tingly.  It hurt to hold a pen to write.  It was less painful to write when I switched to fat pens.

I used a brace on my hand and often slept with it on.  Many nights my hand was so cold that I slept with a glove on.

Hope this helps   :)