Symptoms:

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands
• Numbness or tingling of the palm of the hand
• Pain extending to the elbow
• Pain in wrist or hand in one or both hands
• Problems with fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands
• Wasting away of the muscle under the thumb (in advanced or long-term cases)
• Weak grip or difficulty carrying bags (a common complaint)
• Weakness in one or both hands

Signs and tests:

During a physical examination, the doctor may identify numbness in the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of the ring finger. Hand grip may be weak.

Tapping over the median nerve at the wrist may cause pain to shoot from the wrist to the hand. This is called the Tinel's sign. Bending the wrist forward all the way for 60 seconds will usually result in numbness, tingling, or weakness. This is called the Phalen's test.

Electromyography and nerve conduction velocity will show decreased conduction across the wrist. Wrist x-rays should be done to rule other problems (such as wrist arthritis).