Carpal tunnel is when your hand or wrist starts to feel tingly, numb, or sore — like it’s “falling asleep” — because a nerve inside your wrist is being squeezed.
🛣️ A Tiny Tunnel in Your Wrist
Inside your wrist is a small space called the carpal tunnel. It’s like a little tunnel made of bones and a strong band called a ligament.
Running through that tunnel is something very important — the median nerve. This nerve helps you move your thumb and feel with your fingers.
🚧 What’s Going Wrong?
If that tunnel gets too tight or swollen inside, it presses down on the nerve — like someone stepping on a hose. That pressure makes your hand:
Feel numb or tingly 💤
Hurt, especially at night 🌙
Get weaker or clumsier when picking things up 🧺
🎯 Why Does Carpal Tunnel Happen?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can happen to anyone, but it’s more common if you:
Type or use your hands a lot 💻
Use vibrating tools (like drills or clippers) 🔧
Bend your wrist often 📦
Are pregnant or have swelling 💧
Have conditions like arthritis or diabetes
🛠️ How Can You Help It Feel Better?
You don’t always need surgery! Here are some simple things that can help:
🧘♀️ Take breaks when using your hands
🧤 Wear a wrist brace, especially at night
💪 Do gentle hand and wrist exercises
🧊 Ice your wrist if it feels swollen
👩⚕️ Talk to a healthcare provider if it keeps getting worse
💡 Friendly Tip from a Hand Specialist
If your fingers often feel numb when you wake up or if you drop things easily, it might be carpal tunnel. Catching it early can help you feel better faster — without needing surgery!