Carpal tunnel syndrome
The median nerve is a major nerve in the forearm. It innervates most of the muscles in the anterior part of the forearm and the palm. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs due to the compression or pinching of the median nerve. It is located on the palmar surface of your hand, and is responsible for sensation in different parts of the hand, including the thumb, index finger, part of the ring finger, and middle finger.
The median nerve is also responsible for offering electrical signals to the muscle attached to the thumb. You can experience carpal tunnel syndrome in one or both of your hands.
Aside from wrist pain, carpal tunnel syndrome can also cause weakness, numbness, and tingling on the part of your hand close to your thumb.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is more likely to occur in certain people. Risk factors for CTS include:
- Having a family history of carpal tunnel, as anatomic structure of the wrist varies for each family.
- Engaging in repetitive tasks using your hands, like sewing, drawing, or typing.
- Pregnancy
- Having certain medical conditions, like arthritis [5], ineffective thyroid, or diabetes,