The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist and controls some of the movements of the thumb, as well as sensation in the thumb and the next two-and-a-half fingers. The symptoms of CTS tend to develop gradually and usually start off being worse at night or early in the morning. The three main symptoms are:
-- tingling
-- numbness
-- pain

These symptoms occur in:
the thumb
the index finger
the middle finger
half of the ring finger

However, the tingling, numbness and pain can sometimes extend outside this area. These symptoms can be present in one or both hands, although most cases affect both hands eventually.

Other symptoms
Other possible symptoms of CTS include:
dry skin, swelling or changes in the skin colour of the hand
becoming less sensitive to touch (hypoaesthesia)
weakness and wasting away (atrophy) of the muscles at the base of the thumb
a dull ache and discomfort in the hand, forearm or upper arm
a burning, prickling sensation (paraesthesia) in the hand similar to pins and needles