Statistically, women are three times more likely to have CTS than men. WHO IS AT RISK FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME? Injury to the wrist, thickening of the tendons, or a cyst in the carpal tunnel could lead to CTA. Anything that creates pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel can potentially lead to CTS. It can sometimes result from a combination of factors. It’s often hard to pinpoint the exact cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. If left untreated, CTS can worsen over time. Impaired dexterity, resulting in dropping objectsĬTS symptoms can make it difficult to perform computer work or other daily tasks and can even hinder your ability to grip objects.Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers.WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME? And many sufferers report that their pain is worse at night. Some people may feel more intense symptoms during particular activities, such as driving, typing on a keyboard, or talking on the phone. The dominant hand is typically affected first and most severely. WHAT IS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?Ĭarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that occurs when the median nerve running from the forearm into the palm of the hand becomes compressed at the wrist, leading to numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the wrist. There are treatment options to help you get back to doing what you love without carpal tunnel syndrome getting in the way. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common nerve entrapment syndrome in the world, and it affects about 8 million Americans a year.īut just because it’s so common doesn’t mean you have to live with it. These symptoms can range from irritating, to painful, to downright debilitating and can easily get in the way of your day-to-day activities. It then becomes “entrapped,” or compressed, leading to numbness, tingling, reduced dexterity, and sometimes weakness in the affected hand.

When the tunnel gets smaller, there’s less space for the median nerve.

Passing through this tunnel are nine tendons and the median nerve (one of the main nerves in your arm). The carpal tunnel is a narrow compartment within your wrist that’s made up of bones and the carpal ligament.

Carpal tunnel compartment