What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the Hand?
If you have noticed persistent sensations of tingling, numbness, or weakness in your hands, you could be experiencing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This condition occurs as the result of excessive compression placed on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the hand. The roof of this tunnel is a connective tissue called the transverse carpal ligament.
When the surrounding tissues cause the flexor tendons to become inflamed, or when the tunnel itself is restricted, the median nerve becomes compressed. Since the median nerve's job is to transit feeling to the hands and fingers, compression means that feeling is being cut off. The median nerve also supplies important nerve supply to the muscles of the thumb, and compression can cause difficulty using the hand for certain activities.
Additionally, those who make repetitive hand movements where the wrist is bent downward and women who are pregnant tend to be at risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.