Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel at the base of the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway through which the median nerve and the tendons of the fingers pass in the wrist.

Over the course of a person’s life, the tendons and the carpal ligament in the carpal tunnel thicken, and the nerve may gradually become compressed. This condition is more common among people whose work involves heavy use of their hands. The syndrome is four times more common in women than in men.

The disease manifests as progressive numbness and pain in the hands, especially at night, as well as swelling and loss of sensation in the fingers in the mornings. Most often, the dominant hand is affected first.

Prolonged neglect of the condition can lead to impaired movement in the hands, weakness in the arms, and an inability to grasp and hold small objects. In such cases, carpal tunnel surgery is necessary.