Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that causes numbness and tingling in the hand and arm and it is typically cause by a pinched nerve in the wrist. There are numerous things that contribute to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome such as underlying health problems, patterns of hand use and the anatomy of the wrist.

The Carpal Tunnel is a small passageway on the underside of the wrist. The function of the tunnel is to protect the main nerve that runs from your hand to the nine tendons that help bend your fingers. When this nerve is compressed, it tends to create numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand. The majority of people who develop this painful syndrome are typically able to relieve the pain, tingling and numbness and regain normal wrist and hand function.

This syndrome tends to come on slowly. It typically presents with tingling or numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers that comes and goes. When the syndrome progresses, people tend to notice a weakness in the hand and a tendency to drop items.

It is important to see a doctor if you have persistent signs and symptoms that would suggest Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Left untreated, this syndrome can cause permanent nerve and muscle damage.

Mayo Clinic (2014). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20030332