Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve that runs from the forearm, called the median nerve, becomes pressed or pinched together at the wrist. This nerve controls sensation to the fingers (except the pinky) and palm-side of the thumb and is located inside the carpal tunnel. When the tunnel becomes narrow, the nerves compress together, resulting in an intense, sharp pain that shoots through the arm. It can also cause numbness or weakness of the hand.
Carpal tunnel does not mean that there is a problem with the nerve itself. The injury is caused when the median nerve and tendons are being pressed unnaturally. Most often the syndrome is a result of a person’s body composition. The carpal tunnel in some people is smaller, which more easily results in injury. Things such as wrist injury, arthritis, cysts, tumors, and repetitive use of the hand can also result in this painful syndrome.
Continue reading ‘Facts About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome’ »