Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a progressively painful hand and arm condition  that occurs due to extensive pressure on the media nerves in the wrists. This can be the result of various causes such as the specific anatomy of your wrist, certain underlying health problems and/or possible patterns of hand use.


The carpal tunnel/canal is a passageway from the wrist to the hand which allows the median nerve to provide sensation to the thumb, thumb side of the ring finger, index finger, and middle finger. It is made up of tendons, ligaments, and bones. This passageway protects the median nerve, as well as the tendons that bend your fingers. 



Compression or irritation of the median nerve in this space manifests as the numbness, pain, and subsequent hand weakness that characterizes CTS. Example, wrist damage due to fracturing or bruising can narrow and irritate the nerve, thus leading to CTS. 




Women, by nature are more susceptible to CTS as they possess smaller tunnels. However, in many cases, no single cause can be identified. It may be that a combination of risk factors contribute to the development of the condition. 



Risk Factors for CTS

Include:

• Wrist injuries (fractures, bruising, dislocations etc.)
• Nerve damaging conditions (chronic diabetes and alcoholism)
• Inflammatory diseases (Rheumatoid Arthritis or infectious inflammatory diseases)
• Change in body fluid balance (e.g. pregnancy**, menopause, obesity, thyroid disorders, kidney failure etc.)
• Repetitive wrist movements (job associated: working with vibrating tools or assembly line work with constant flexing of wrist. 
• Smoking as it retards blood which can lead to insufficient nutrition to nerve cells.
• Tumors or cysts in the canal.

​Read more about causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome



**N.B. CTS that occurs as a result of pregnancy, usually resolves when pregnancy is completed.**

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