Pain radiating or extending from your wrist into your forearm or down into your palm or fingers, especially after forceful or repetitive use. If the condition is advanced, a constant loss of feeling in some fingers. If your work or hobbies are hand-intensive, involving repetitive wrist or finger motion, forceful pinching, gripping or grasping, or working with vibrating tools, you're at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. Typing, needlework, assembly line tasks and even your sleep position can pose problems. However, most people do these activities without problems.
Women are at higher risk than men.
Some health conditions can increase your risk, including some thyroid conditions, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy. Fortunately, carpal tunnel syndrome related to pregnancy almost always improves after childbirth. Children who frequently play computer games may also be at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. If carpal tunnel syndrome is left untreated, nerve and muscle damage can occur. However, with proper treatment, the pain and numbness usually resolves without permanent damage to the hand or wrist.