Thumb soreness is something different (possibly technically a strain, but likely just sore from lactic acid). Carpal tunnel is about the little muscle/tendon bundles compressing a nerve package in your wrist, right at the base of the hand. You can get shooting pains up and down the arm, but it's usually something that develops more gradually and involves tingling, numbness, etc. Neuropathic pain and musculoskeletal pain are pretty different. If it doesn't feel like your hand is going to sleep, then you're probably just sore. Ice that shit.