What is Carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve that runs from the forearm to the palm is squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel, the hard, narrow passage of ligaments and bones at the base of the hand, houses the median nerve and finger tendons. The median nerve provides sensation for the palm and index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger (but not the little finger). It also controls some small muscles at the base of the thumb.
Sometimes, thickening of irritated tendons or other inflamed linings can narrow the tunnel and compress the median nerve. The result may be numbness, weakness or sometimes pain in the hands and wrists (some people may feel pain in the forearms and arms). CTS is the most common and well-known compressive neuropathy, in which a peripheral nerve of the body is compressed or squeezed.