Hand numbness and tingling are common, and the correct diagnosis matters. Carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel are two common problems that affect different nerves, so their treatments are different. A wrong diagnosis can delay treatment or lead to the wrong splint.
Carpal tunnel causes numbness or burning in the thumb, index, middle finger and half of the ring finger. Symptoms often feel worse at night and can make small tasks like buttoning or pulling zippers difficult. Cubital tunnel causes numbness in the ring and little fingers and aching pain at the elbow. Symptoms can get worse when the elbow is bent, for example while driving or sleeping.
Seek medical help if symptoms last more than a few weeks, wake you at night, or make your hand weak or clumsy.
Difficult words
- carpal tunnel — a condition that compresses the wrist nerve
- cubital tunnel — a condition that affects the nerve at the elbow
- numbness — loss of feeling in part of the body
- tingling — a pins-and-needles feeling on the skin
- diagnosis — the medical name for a health problem
- splint — a device that keeps a body part still
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever had hand numbness or tingling? What did you feel or do?
- Which small tasks would be hard if your thumb and fingers were numb?
- How would you change driving or sleeping if bending your elbow made pain worse?
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