Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when a nerve becomes pinched in the wrist, resulting in progressive pain in the arm and hand. The severity of the pain may depend on a variety of things, including the anatomy of your wrist and certain underlying health problems. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway located on the palm side of your wrist. Bound by bones and ligaments, the carpal tunnel protects a main nerve to your hand and nine tendons that bend your fingers. When the nerve is compressed or pinched, it causes numbness, pain and eventually weakness in the hand. Treatments for carpal tunnel may include wrist splinting, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended.