What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that arises from the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway formed by bones and ligaments, which can become constricted due to various factors such as repetitive wrist movements, inflammation, or conditions like arthritis. When the median nerve becomes compressed, it can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the hand and fingers.

This understanding is crucial for diagnosing and treating the condition effectively, as it directly affects hand function and can lead to significant discomfort if left unmanaged. Recognizing the specific anatomical location and nature of the compression is essential for appropriate interventions, which often include wrist splinting, lifestyle modifications, or in more severe cases, surgical release of the pressure on the nerve.