Carpal tunnel like symptoms post COVID

Posted by debbterr @debbterr, Jan 2, 2022

I came down with COVID in October 2021. During my 3 week illness, I experienced tingling in both hands foe about 2 weeks. It eventually went away, but 2 weeks ago I started experiencing carpal tunnel like pain in both wrists. Wondering if it could be related to COVID. Anyone else experience anything similar?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

@lorilee13

Wow! Thank you for sharing! I just had my 3rd carpal tunnel nerve test and I show I have “mild” carpal tunnel in my right hand and prior to being vaccinated I never had any issues.

I am still going to Dr after Dr trying to figure this out. I no longer have carpal tunnel in my left hand, however my left hand hurts constantly! No reason for the pain in my left hand as well! I have been struggling with constant numbness and tingling in my left hand and right, but no tests show why!

I just had a nerve biopsy done in my left leg to test for peripheral neuropathy and hoping I get some better answers!

Thinking of you and your struggle! Are you hands better now after surgery?

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I am sorry to hear that your pain is still with you and the the Electromyography (EMG) wasn't able to find the issue for you left hand. Yes the surgery help greatly. For the First couple of weeks, my hands still where numb, stinging, and tingling, but I was able to get through the day. Then the symptoms started to go away. I still have some shock go through my left arm every so often, my strength is up to about 90% of what it was prior, and the middle lower part of my palms hurt something aweful if I put to much weigh on them. But I am reminded by my specialist that recovery can take up to a year. Even if I don't make a full recovery, I am happy to be rid of the pian that was there before. I feel for each and every one that has this issue.

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@lorilee13

Sorry 😞 I also wonder how many Drs are reporting patients issue for data?

Your case and my case should absolutely be reported, so we are part of the statistics and others are aware of the many more people experiencing “carpal tunnel LIKE syndrome” with no prior issues!

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To be honest lorilee13, I don''t believe a large majority of doctors know about the connection.

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@kendraheathcock

To be honest lorilee13, I don''t believe a large majority of doctors know about the connection.

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@kendraheathcock
I agree fully after today’s follow up with the rheumatologist.

He told me there’s literally nothing they can do to help me or have any answers.

Getting a referral to the Long Haulers Clinic and I’m hoping they can answer what is causing my body to react this way.

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@kendraheathcock

I am sorry to hear that your pain is still with you and the the Electromyography (EMG) wasn't able to find the issue for you left hand. Yes the surgery help greatly. For the First couple of weeks, my hands still where numb, stinging, and tingling, but I was able to get through the day. Then the symptoms started to go away. I still have some shock go through my left arm every so often, my strength is up to about 90% of what it was prior, and the middle lower part of my palms hurt something aweful if I put to much weigh on them. But I am reminded by my specialist that recovery can take up to a year. Even if I don't make a full recovery, I am happy to be rid of the pian that was there before. I feel for each and every one that has this issue.

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Thank you for the response! Greatly appreciate your sharing and makes me feel less alone!

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I contracted COVID October 13 2022. I had runny nose, sore throat and fatigue. The symptoms resolved after about 1.5 weeks. November 18 or 19 I started having pain when gripping anything. It has gotten so bad that even moving my bed sheets causes me pain. I didn’t even consider this a post COVID symptom since I already suffer from brittle diabetes and am paralyzed on my left side from a massive stroke that occurred in 1993. Have others become progressively worse with the hand issues or did it resolve itself?

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@mylab

I contracted COVID October 13 2022. I had runny nose, sore throat and fatigue. The symptoms resolved after about 1.5 weeks. November 18 or 19 I started having pain when gripping anything. It has gotten so bad that even moving my bed sheets causes me pain. I didn’t even consider this a post COVID symptom since I already suffer from brittle diabetes and am paralyzed on my left side from a massive stroke that occurred in 1993. Have others become progressively worse with the hand issues or did it resolve itself?

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UPDATE: the tingling has moved to my forearm and as high as my tricep

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@stanky

I also have tingling & numbness in my hands fingers abdomen, after Covid in Jan 2021. After going to numerous drs & test was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, however no one seemed to be bothered with the tingling or numbness. I finally have a neurologist appt scheduled for May of 2022.

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me too, how about you now?

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my syndrome is similar to yours. how about you now?

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Can anyone recommend any dietary tips for prickly/throbbing/numb hands and carpal tunnel muscle aches at night? I wake every night at 3am, have tried compression gloves and wrist supports. Also has anyone had these symptoms and they’ve gone away?? Thanks all

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@markitect

Can anyone recommend any dietary tips for prickly/throbbing/numb hands and carpal tunnel muscle aches at night? I wake every night at 3am, have tried compression gloves and wrist supports. Also has anyone had these symptoms and they’ve gone away?? Thanks all

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Hello @markitect and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I found an existing discussion on carpal tunnel like symptoms post COVID so you will notice I have moved your post here:

- Carpal tunnel like symptoms post COVID: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/carpal-tunnel-like-symptoms-post-covid/

Members like @davidzhang @mylab and @lorilee13 have recently shared about their symptoms and may be able to come back in to share more with you.

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