Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. The nerve is compressed as it passes through a ‘tunnel’ formed by the small bones of the wrist and the transverse carpal ligament. Tendons also run through the carpal tunnel and inflammation around the tendons or thickening of the ligament can contribute to compression.  Carpal tunnel symptoms may also occur during pregnancy.

Compression of the nerve causes pins-and-needles, numbness, discomfort or pain in the wrist, thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger. Patients often experience pain and numbness at night and wake to shake their hand about or hang it by the side of the bed to relieve the symptoms. During the day, they may have symptoms exacerbated by gripping or pressure on the palm of the hand, which can cause shooting electric shocks radiating to the fingers.