Signs and Symptoms

Carpal tunnel syndrome typically starts gradually, with a vague aching in your wrist that can extend to your hand or forearm.

Other common signs and symptoms include:

Tingling or numbness in your fingers or hand, especially your thumb, index, middle or ring fingers, but not your little finger. This sensation often occurs while driving a vehicle or holding a phone or a newspaper, or upon awakening. Many people "shake out" their hands to relieve their symptoms.
Pain radiating or extending from your wrist up your arm to your shoulder or down into your palm or fingers, especially after forceful or repetitive use. This usually occurs on the front (palm) side of your forearm.
A sense of weakness in your hands, and a tendency to drop objects.
A constant loss of feeling in some fingers. This can occur if the condition is advanced.