Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. This occurs as the median nerve moves through a narrow passageway called the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome results in numbness and tingling in the fingers and weakness in the hand.
Carpal tunnel syndrome often develops from a combination of factors. Repeated hand and wrist movements or awkward positions can compress the median nerve at the wrist. Conditions that cause swelling, like pregnancy and arthritis, can also cause symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
Activity changes, bracing, exercises, and over-the-counter medication can help manage carpal tunnel syndrome. If symptoms do not improve after several months, surgery may be an option.
Cutting the transverse carpal ligament of the wrist can release tissue that is compressing the median nerve. This can reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome when other treatments do not work.
Carpal tunnel release is a quick, minimally invasive surgery in which the surgeon makes one small incision on the underside of the wrist. This quick procedure can be performed in a matter of minutes.
