What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which a person experiences unusual sensations in their hands and fingers due to pressure on a nerve in their wrist.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a structure in the wrist known as the carpal tunnel swelling. This squeezes the median nerve which is responsible for helping to move the forearm, wrist, hand and fingers and also provides sensations to the forearm and parts of the hand. Certain risk factors can increase a person’s chances of developing the condition including:
- Being overweight.
- Being pregnant.
- Carrying out regular activities that involve bending the wrist or gripping hard.
- Having other conditions such as arthritis or diabetes.
- Having a family member with carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Having a past wrist injury.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
The main symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are tingling, numbness and pain in the hands and fingers. These sensations often come and go and are usually worse at night.
