Health's Book

Definition

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, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers.

See also: Carpal tunnel release

Symptoms

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