Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Signs and Symptoms

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common disorder that causes pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. It occurs when there is a high amount of pressure within the wrist on a nerve called the median nerve. This median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index, and middle fingers, and half of the ring finger. The little finger (the “pinky”) is typically not affected. This median nerve also provides strength to few muscles at the base of the thumb and index finger.

Carpal tunnel: - Carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in the wrist. The bottom and sides of the tunnel are formed by small semi-circular bones called carpal bones. A tissue called ligament forms in the top of the tunnel. The median nerve and tendons pass through this space. These tendons connect muscles in the forearm to bones in the hand. These help the finger and thumb to bend and straighten.