Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (pronunciation: KAR-pul TUN-nel SIN-drome) is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand — the median nerve — is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist.
Etymology
The term "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" is derived from the Latin carpus meaning "wrist" and the English word "tunnel", referring to the narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist. The term "syndrome" is derived from the Greek syndromē meaning "concurrence of symptoms, concourse of people".
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:
- Tingling or numbness
- Weakness
- Pain
Causes
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve runs from your forearm through a passageway in your wrist (carpal tunnel) to your hand. It provides sensation to the palm side of your thumb and fingers, except the little finger. Anything that squeezes or irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space can lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Related Terms
Treatment
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may include:
- Non-surgical treatments like wrist splinting, avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, and taking breaks from repetitive tasks.
- Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve if non-surgical treatments do not improve symptoms.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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