Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve the nerve in the wrist that supplies feeling and movement to parts of the hand.

It can lead to:

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands
• Pain in wrist or hand, extending to the elbow
• Problems with fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands
• Wasting of the muscle under the thumb (in advanced or long-term cases)
• Weak grip or difficulty carrying bags (a common complaint)

Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist.

Typing on a computer keyboard is probably the most common cause of carpal tunnel.

Other causes include:

• Sewing
• Driving
• Assembly line work
• Painting
• Writing
• Use of tools (especially hand tools or tools that vibrate)
• Sports such as racquetball or handball
• Playing some musical instruments

The condition occurs most often in people 30 to 60 years old, and is more common in women than men.