I have an uncontrolable twitch in my right index finger

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have an uncontrolable twitch in my right index finger, my veins are swollen on top of my hand and I can see my pulse, shouls I be concerned?

Dear Claire: 

It would be important in your case to rule out a Carpal tunnel Syndrome, that might be manifesting by the twitching in the index finger and the swollen of the hand. This is not a common presentation of the CTS, but the possibility must be rule out. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disease of the hand characterized by numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness. The disease typically affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers and is often particularly troublesome at night. A major nerve, specifically the median nerve, travels down the arm and enters the hand through the carpal tunnel, which is located in the central part of the wrist. In people with carpal tunnel syndrome, pressure in the carpal tunnel is higher than in unaffected people, and median nerve irritation occurs. The first line of treatment for mild carpal tunnel syndrome is to wear a wrist brace. This has been shown to relieve the symptoms from the carpal tunnel by placing the wrist in a neutral position and reducing the nerve irritation. Splinting is usually tried for a period of 4-6 weeks. Some people wear their splints at night only and others wear their splints both day and night, depending upon when the symptoms are at their worst.