Severe burning pain on top of hand

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have been getting a severe pain on the top of my hand, in between my thumb and index finger, it is a burning sensation, and very painful, it is like the whole muscle is being burned on the inside, any thoughts?? Ive heard Carpal tunnel, but i feel no numbness yet in my fingers?

Dear Jennifer: It is not a common presentation but definitely a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome must be rule out in your case. The 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.