Carpal tunnel pain is typically located in the wrist and hand, especially on the palm side. It affects the area where the median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist surrounded by bones and ligaments. The pain and other symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and burning sensations are most commonly felt in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the thumb side of the ring finger. The discomfort can also extend up the forearm and sometimes to the shoulder
. Key points about the location of carpal tunnel pain:
- The pain is centered around the wrist, particularly the palm side where the median nerve is compressed.
- It affects the thumb and the first three fingers (index, middle, and part of the ring finger).
- Symptoms can radiate up the forearm and occasionally to the shoulder.
- The palm itself usually remains normal in sensation because the nerve branch supplying the palm passes outside the carpal tunnel.
- Pain and tingling often worsen at night and may disturb sleep
In summary, carpal tunnel pain is primarily felt in the wrist and the palm side of the hand, especially in the thumb and first three fingers, with possible radiation up the forearm.
