Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that results from the compression of the median nerve in the wrist, as this nerve passes through the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is a cavity located at the base of the hand and surrounded on three sides by the carpal bones and on the fourth by the transverse carpal ligament. The median nerve shares this cavity with nine flexor tendons. The median nerve carries signals from the brain to control actions taken by the hands and fingers, including sweat glands, as well as carrying sensory information such as temperature, pain, and texture to the brain. Repetitive extension and flexing of the wrists can cause a thickening of the protective layer surrounding the tendons within the carpal tunnel, which is called tenosynovitis. This condition applies pressure to the median nerve, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome, and causing such symptoms as numbness sensations, tingling, pain, and awkwardness in hand control.