What is one common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Finger numbness is a common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This nerve is responsible for sensation in the thumb and fingers. When it is compressed, patients may experience various sensations, including numbness, tingling, or pain in the fingers, particularly the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

In contrast, shoulder pain, knee swelling, and wrist fractures are not associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Shoulder pain could arise from different musculoskeletal issues unrelated to median nerve compression, while knee swelling generally relates to joint problems or injuries. A wrist fracture would result from trauma rather than the underlying nerve compression that characterizes carpal tunnel syndrome. Thus, finger numbness distinctly aligns with the primary manifestations of this condition.