What is the difference between carpal tunnel and peripheral neuropathy?

Carpal tunnel & PN: Carpal tunnel is a musculo-scheletal disorder, peripheral neuropathy is a neuropathic disorder.

Pinched vs degen: Peripheral neuropathy is due to nerve degeneration due to a problem such as diabetes, exposure to toxins, vitamin deficiency or other problems. Carpal tunnel is caused by compression of a nerve in the wrist. A doctor could help you know which you have. Good luck!

Median nerve: Carpal tunnel syndrome is entrapment of the median nerve under the carpal tunnel at the wrist. Peripheral neuropathy is involvement of several nerves by different mechanisms in the distal parts of the extremities. Carpal tunnel is managed by treatments of the median nerve at the wrist.Peripheral neuropathy is managed by treating the underlying disorder such as diabetes.

Regions of numbness: Peripheral neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are often different, primarily in where the symptoms occur. Carpal tunnel syndrome often affects the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. Peripheral neuropathy ususally affects the hands, and when the area increases, the lower legs and sometimes the hands. The symptoms of these two may be the same, just not the affected areas.