Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is a space at the base of the forearm near the wrist where the median nerve and other structures pass under the carpal ligament into the wrist and hand.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful disorder that is due to compression and entrapment of the median nerve and other in the forearm and wrist structures. Entrapment can be due to swelling of the tendon sheaths, injury, tumors and occasionally a congenital anomaly.

This painful disorder may occur:

• During pregnancy
• Following repetitive use of hands (ie. typing)
• Following injury to the wrist

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, burning, tingling and numbness over the palm into the thumb, index finger and half the middle finger. Achiness can also radiate to the forearm and sometimes to the shoulder, neck and chest.

As carpal tunnel progresses, one may experience muscle weakness and muscle atrophy of the palm near the thumb.