Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

So what is carpal tunnel syndrome exactly?

"Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve -- the nerve in the wrist that supplies feeling and movement to parts of the hand. It can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and finger"- Pubmed Health

The median nerve provides feeling and movement to the "thumb side" of the hand. The area in your wrist where the nerve enters the hand is called the carpal tunnel. The tunnel is narrow so any swelling can pinch the nerve leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.

This syndrome occurs in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist. Causes include typing, sewing, painting, writing, assembly line work and playing some musical instrument.

Symptoms:

-Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands

-Numbness or tingling of the palm of the hand

-Pain extending to the elbow

-Pain in wrist or hand in one or both hands

-Problems with fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands

-Wasting away of the muscle under the thumb (in advanced or long-term cases)

-Weakness in one or both hands