Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed or entrapped at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and first two and a half fingers.
The carpal tunnel - a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand - houses the median nerve and tendons.
Typcially, carpal tunnel syndrome, is the result of repetitive stress or repititous movements such as using the mouse on your computer. Symptoms may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm.
In many cases there is what's known as a 'double crush' syndrome in which the nerve is initially damaged at it's origin near the neck with secnondary compression ocurring in the extremity or the carpal tunnel itself. In cases where carpal tunnel syndrome is present in both extremities it pays to investigate whether or not the cervical spine is involved as it may be the difference between a successful course of therapy and one that is not.
In most cases, if the condition is properly diagnosed and managed, surgery can be avoided. Usually, symptoms are described as frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers. A person with carpal tunnel syndrome may wake up feeling the need to "shake out" the hand or wrist.
In chronic and/or untreated cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away. Additionally, Some people may experience decreases sensitivity to hot and cold by touch.