Numbness in the forefinger (pointer) and thumb need not be carpal tunnel I have had that condition for many years...they repeatedly told me it was carpal tunnel...thankfully after many heated conversations with my neurologist (whom I fired shortly after he said "Mr Johnson those symptoms are not from carpal tunnel and you have carpal tunnel...frikkin rocket scientist) turns out, after and extensive Electromylogram session...which I would only recommend to my worse enemies...that I had brachial plexus damage (shoulder) and likely would have no sensation in those digits again...so I must echo the "relax your shoulder advice. The major nerve group passes thru your shulder and if you're tensed up you could be putting presure on that nerve...mine runs about 2/3 up my forearm also...Od being a righty and having no true sensation in tha better portion of your right hand...does come in handy when grabbing hot things though
