Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a tunnel in the wrist where the median nerve,  the flexor tendons and arteries pass, See figure 1.

                                          Figure 1

The bottom and the sides of the tunnel are comprised of a group of bones, known as the carpal bones. The top of the tunnel is a ligament called the transverse carpal ligament. 

The median nerve provides motor and sensory function to the thumb and the first 2 1/2 fingers.  Compression to this nerve can cause tingling at night as well as pain and numbness throughout the median nerve distribution of the hand.  In more advanced cases, the person can become clumsy, have weakness in their hand and experience constant pain.  Compression of the flexor tendons can restrict motion and can prevent the fingers from bending.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel can be brought about by many different types of injuries or conditions.   Dislocation of one of the carpal bones; arthritis; or swelling in the area of the carpal tunnel.   

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