Carpal tunnel syndrome is a cause of hand and finger pain due to compression of the median nerve at the wrist that can affect athletes and non-athletes alike.

In sports, this condition can affect an athlete who utilizes his or her hands for grip or repetitive activities, such as a golfer, cyclist, archer, or weightlifter. The nerve can become compressed in multiple locations in the forearm, but most often the condition develops from nerve compression in the wrist.

Signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome

People affected with carpal tunnel syndrome often complain of pain in their hands. You might also notice weakness when trying to grip objects. You might have numbness or tingling sensations in the thumb, index, and middle fingers on the palm’s side of the hand.

Illustration of carpal tunnel syndrome

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome

Treatment can involve use of a splint, rest from aggravating activities, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or even a cortisone shot. Surgery to release the compression on the nerve is often needed.

Also read:
Carpal tunnel syndrome: Frequent questions about this common hand and wrist problem
Wrist injury: Common injuries of the wrist and hand in sports and exercise

Recommended Products and Resources
Click here to go to Dr. David Geier’s Amazon Influencer store!
Due to a large number of questions I have received over the years asking about products for health, injuries, performance, and other areas of sports, exercise, work and life, I have created an Amazon Influencer page. While this information and these products are not intended to treat any specific injury or illness you have, they are products I use personally, have used or have tried, or I have recommended to others. THE SITE MAY OFFER HEALTH, FITNESS, NUTRITIONAL AND OTHER SUCH INFORMATION, BUT SUCH INFORMATION IS DESIGNED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE CONTENT DOES NOT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONVEY MEDICAL ADVICE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. THE SITE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACTIONS OR INACTION ON A USER’S PART BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT IS PRESENTED ON THE SITE. Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.