The tattoo could be a big factor dependent on the placement. I have carpal tunnel in both of my hands. The nerve that is affected is the median nerve, and is located in the inner area of the wrist closest to your thumb, but it only causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index and middle finger. You can also have sharp shooting pain beginning in the middle of your hand and going downward into your forearm. If you have numbness in your pinkie and ring finger it could also be gyon tunnel which affects the ulnar nerve,located also in your wrist but closest to your pinkie, and you can have pain all the way up to your inner elbow because the nerve extends to your elbow. I also have this and it is extremely painful. Definitely talk to a doctor before the damage is too great and irreversible.