The difference lies mainly in the severity and duration of symptoms. With a sprained finger, there may be pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the finger, but these usually improve within a few days.
Wrist splints and exercises can ease symptoms of minor carpal tunnel ... Even in the early stages, carpal tunnel syndrome can sometimes be painful. The pain is usually in the wrist, palm, and fingers, ...
The feeling of physical pain can vary greatly -- mild, sharp, severe, dull. Learn the symptoms for different types of pain, so you can describe them to a doctor.