Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a problem involving the nerves, bones, and ligaments that connect the arm and the hand. It’s caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs the length of the arm, goes through a passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, and ends in the hand. The median nerve controls the movement and feeling in all the fingers, except the pinky.

If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you may feel numbness in the palm of your hand or your fingers. At the beginning, this may happen only at night because of your horizontal, relaxed position; however, the pain can evolve and may cause damage to your shoulder and neck.

Although most cases of carpal tunnel are treated by splints and improved ergonomics, surgery is sometimes needed to free the median nerve and restore feeling and movement to the hand.