Carpal tunnel syndrome

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Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is characterized by pain, numbness, or tingling in the wrist, usually associated with engaging in repetitive, awkward or forceful hand movements. Some cases of CTS are thought to be unrelated to any specific cause, but there may be an increased risk of getting CTS if you have a medical condition which impedes the circulation and supply of oxygen to the nerves of the wrist. CTS results from pressure on the median nerve, a nerve that transmits sensory messages and motor stimuli from the thumb and some fingers to the muscles in the hand. This nerve, along with nine tendons permitting finger and thumb movement, pass through a tunnel of fibers at the base of the palm of the hand in the wrist area. The top of the tunnel is a strong band of connective tissue called a ligament. During CTS, the tendons become irritated and swell, pushing the median nerve up against this ligament and causing pain in the wrist.