What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a pressure injury to the median nerve of the hand (N. medianus) at the wrist. It is usually caused by existing anatomic tightness and being overstressed, or due to an underlying condition such as diabetes. But it also frequently occurs during pregnancy. The symptoms are a tingling sensation or numbness, usually in the first three fingers and, in the early stage of the illness, often painful paraesthesia, predominantly at night. If wearing a splint at night to rest the wrist and hand doesn’t lead to improvement, an operation may be necessary to relieve the nerve. Another common entrapment syndrome of the arm is cubital tunnel syndrome, at the elbow.

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