Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome a Disability? Carpal tunnel syndrome often shows up as hand numbness, tingling, or burning, and you may notice weaker grip strength during everyday tasks. Some people also feel finger swelling or that pins and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome MD Searchlight Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by an increase in pressure within the carpal tunnel, which leads to compression of the median nerve as it travels across the wrist into the palm through