Carpal Tunnel or a Wrist Injury? Hand Numbness, Tingling and Pain Explained
Numbness and tingling in the thumb and fingers often point to carpal tunnel syndrome. Here's how it differs from a wrist injury, what helps, and when to get it checked.
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve is squeezed where it passes through the wrist. It causes numbness, tingling and sometimes pain in the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger, often worse at night or when gripping a phone or steering wheel. It builds up over weeks or months. Wrist pain that starts suddenly after a fall or twist is more likely a sprain or fracture, and that needs a same-day look.
Carpal tunnel symptoms
- Numbness, tingling or a pins-and-needles feeling in the thumb and first three fingers, but not usually the pinky
- Symptoms that wake you at night, or that you shake your hand to relieve
- Tingling while holding a phone, book or steering wheel
- Weakness or clumsiness, such as dropping things
- Over time, weakness at the base of the thumb
Common causes and risk factors
- Repeated wrist bending or forceful gripping, such as tools, typing or assembly work
- Pregnancy, from fluid retention
- Diabetes, thyroid problems and rheumatoid arthritis
- An old wrist injury
- Being female, and getting older
Carpal tunnel or a wrist injury?
Carpal tunnel comes on gradually and mostly causes numbness and tingling. A wrist injury comes on suddenly after a fall, twist or impact, with pain, swelling or bruising, and trouble moving the wrist. If you fell on an outstretched hand and the wrist is painful or swollen, it needs an exam and possibly an X-ray. Our post on sprained ankles and wrists explains how to tell a sprain from a fracture.
What helps
- A wrist splint that keeps the wrist straight, especially at night
- Taking breaks from repetitive tasks, and changing your grip or workstation
- Ice and anti-inflammatory medicine for flare-ups, if they're safe for you
- Treating conditions that contribute, like diabetes or thyroid problems
If symptoms don't improve, a primary care provider or specialist may suggest a steroid injection, nerve testing or, for severe cases, surgery to release the pressure.
If it's work-related
If symptoms came from your job, report it to your employer. In Colorado, a work-related condition may be covered by workers' compensation. Our post on being hurt at work in Colorado explains the first steps.
When to get seen
Come in for wrist pain after a fall or injury, new hand numbness, or symptoms that aren't improving with a splint and rest. At an AfterOurs clinic, a standard self-pay visit is $175, a visit with one moderate service such as an X-ray is $250, and a self-pay in-clinic visit never costs more than $330. We contract with all major commercial and government plans, including Colorado Medicaid and Medicare. See our sprains and strains page and the cost and insurance page.
Call 911 if sudden numbness or weakness comes with drooping of the face, trouble speaking, confusion or weakness on one side of the body, which can be signs of a stroke. Go to the ER for a wrist that's badly deformed, a hand that's cold, pale or blue, or bone through the skin.
Where to find us
Four clinics across metro Denver, all ages welcome, se habla español:
- Hampden (Southeast Denver): 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Littleton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Thornton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Highlands: Mon–Fri 5–11 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM–11 PM
Walk in, or book online.
Medically reviewed by Peter Martinuzzi, MD
This article is general health information, not medical advice for your situation. If you are worried, come in or book a telehealth visit — and if it is an emergency, call 911.