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Get help if you're among 3 in 100 people with carpal tunnel syndrome

	If you feel numbness, tingling, weakness or pain in your wrist, you should begin treatment as early as possible. ConsumerReportsHealth.org can help you find treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome that work well.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org and find out whether surgery, medication or physical therapy rates best for treating carpal tunnel syndrome.

Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Our clear and sound advice helps you and your doctor choose your best treatment options.

Key points for people with carpal tunnel syndrome

• You get carpal tunnel syndrome if one of the main nerves to your hand gets pinched at your wrist.
• Your hand may tingle or feel numb. You can also be in a lot of pain.
• Your symptoms will probably come and go, but may be worse after certain activities.
• Your doctor will need to examine your wrist and hand to find out if you have carpal tunnel syndrome.
• You should begin treatments, such as wearing a splint, as soon as possible.

Certain risk factors such as a small carpal tunnel from birth, a wrist injury, repeated movements that place pressure on the wrist, and some medical conditions make you more likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome. More than a third of people with carpal tunnel syndrome recover completely within six months without treatment. But your symptoms are less likely to go away if you have pain in both wrists and the damage to your nerve is more severe.

Our concise condition report and Treatment Ratings table will help you and your doctor decide which treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is right for you. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, we'll also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 100 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.