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.