Can Elbow Pain Be Caused By Carpal Tunnel?

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

The median nerve is crushed or squeezed as it passes through the wrist, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome. When the carpal tunnel inside your wrist becomes inflamed, this occurs. The median nerve controls some of the muscles that move your thumb and sends information about feelings in your thumb and fingers back to your brain.

When the nerve is compressed, the affected hand may experience tingling, numbness, discomfort, or discomfort. Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women than in men. People of all ages are affected, however those over the age of 50 are more likely to develop the ailment.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

The pressure on the median nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome.

The median nerve runs from your forearm to your hand through a tunnel in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. Except for the little finger, it gives a sensation to the palm side of your thumb and fingers. It also sends nerve signals to the muscles at the base of your thumb to move (motor function).

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by anything that squeezes or irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel area. A wrist fracture, as well as swelling and inflammation induced by rheumatoid arthritis, can constrict the carpal tunnel and irritate the nerve.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is frequently caused by a combination of factors. It’s possible that a combination of risk factors plays a role in the onset of the disease.

Symptoms

Carpal tunnel syndrome creates a tingling or pins-and-needles sensation in the hand, as well as numbness and pain. Symptoms can occasionally be felt in the forearm or farther up the arm. It usually develops gradually over a few weeks.

The thumb, index, and middle fingers are normally the most afflicted, though it might occasionally feel like your entire hand is afflicted. You can also experience a pain that runs up your arm and into your shoulder or neck. One or both hands may be affected.

The symptoms are usually stronger at night and can interfere with sleep, but you may also notice them when you wake up. The soreness and tingling can typically be relieved by hanging your hand out of bed or shaking it around.

During the day, you may not notice the problem at all, but some activities, such as writing, typing, DIY, or cleaning, can exacerbate your symptoms. If the nerve is severely compressed, though, you may experience sensations throughout the day.

Your hand could be feeble, or your fingers could be numb, or both. You may drop things and discover that fine-motor activities, such as writing or fastening buttons, become more difficult.

How common is this syndrome?

It may be the most common nerve condition, affecting 4 to 10 million Americans. Women are nearly three times more likely than men to get the condition, and it is more likely to affect middle-aged or older persons, while it can also affect younger people.

Can elbow pain be caused by Carpal Tunnel?

Although this disease usually affects the hands, fingers, and wrists, the pain can also extend to the elbow. When your ulnar nerve is inflamed or injured, a disease known as cubital tunnel syndrome can cause discomfort or tingling in your elbow.

Are You Looking for Relief From Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Pain? 

Pace Physical Therapy in San Jose, California specializes in non-surgical neck pain relief and recovery therapies.  We pride ourselves on offering the best possible physical therapy available and going above and beyond for our patients. Our highly experienced physical therapist will work with you to improve your function and relieve your pain. We start by assessing the body as a whole. Oftentimes the cause of pain or an injury extends far beyond just the body part or muscle hurting. Without taking a comprehensive look at your entire self, we would be doing you a disservice in fully helping you heal and preventing future limitations. We then move on to fixing your areas of limitation.  Don’t let your quality of life be diminished by elbow, wrist, or hand pain any longer! If you are looking for a San Jose, CA physical therapist, contact Pace Physical Therapy today to make an appointment and meet with one of our committed team members. We would be delighted to get you back to the safe and physically active life that you deserve! Contact us today to schedule your appointment!