Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where the nerve that supplies part of the hand becomes compressed as it runs through a narrow space in the palm (the carpal tunnel).
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes tingling, numbness, and pins and needles in the fingers. People with carpal tunnel syndrome often wake up at night with the symptoms and have to shake their hands to make them go away. The symptoms can also occur when using power tools or holding a steering wheel.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is very common, and in most cases tightness around the nerve develops slowly. Occasionally there may be something directly pressing on the nerve, but this is actually very uncommon. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may also be due to problems in other areas such as the neck.
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
People with persistent carpal tunnel syndrome that affects their day to day life may benefit from carpal tunnel release surgery.