If it is not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Then What Is It

25% of all people that have Carpal Tunnel Type Symptoms, do not actually have Carpal Tunnel.

Did you know there are other issues and problems that show the same symptoms as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

How do you know if it is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Well get tested of course, dah, bit obvious that one.

Seriously, if you want to be 100%, then see a doctor, get tested and know for sure. This is the best way, other wise you might be trying to fix the wrong thing. There are some self tests you can do to get a good idea. Check out the Self Diagnosis Pages (on the left).

But if it is not Carpal Tunnel, what is it??

It could be NERVE ENTRAPMENT. Sounds cool that term. Nerve entrapment is basically the same thing as Carpal Tunnel, but in a different place. Remember this video.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome effects the Carpal Tunnel, the little tunnel where the median nerve goes through with the other tendons on the wrist. If the Median Nerve is squashed and trapped elsewhere the symptoms can be the same, as it is the same nerve that is effected, But it is NOT Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

It could also be TENDON RELATED. WHY?

The Median Nerve runs through the carpal tunnel with other tendons that go up to the fingers. so lets say you have a spot of tendonitis (or more accurately Tenosynovitis, which is a swelling of the tendon sheath). When the Median Nerve runs through the Carpal Tunnel and the tendons are swollen, guess what??
Yep, pressure on the median nerve, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome type symptoms.

Also THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME could be a factor.

All these big words are a bit confusing, but basically Thoracic Outlet Syndrome refers to pinched nerves and blood vessels that run down the neck. This can be diagnosed and is completely different to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome will not help with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, so you should save you time and money. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is usually detected by diminished blood flow in the arms when patient raises the effected hand and turns head in the opposite direction. The problem is actually in the first Rib in Front of the shoulder. And has nothing to do with the Carpal Tunnel.

It could also be Arthritis, or Arthritis related. If you suffer from Arthritis then best to check that out first.

Lastly it may be RAYNAUDS PHENOMENON which is really temperature and stress related. A simple (but not fool proof) way of determining this is to notice when the problem occurs. Does it occur when you are under stress? Does it occur only when it is cold? Either of these two possible causes could relate to Raynaud's Phenomenon. and not Carpal Tunnel syndrome.