What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?

To prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, try to maintain proper posture at the computer.  If possible, have your workstation ergonomically designed.

Definition

Carpal Tunnel condition, caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist, results in numbness, tingling, weakness and discomfort in the wrist and hand.  The floor and walls of the carpal tunnel are formed by a group of wrist bones (carpals), while the roof is a strong ligament on the inside of your wrist called the transverse carpal ligament.  This ligament forms a bridge over the group of bones, creating a tunnel at the junction of the hand and wrist.  The median nerve and tendons that move your fingers and thumb pass through this tunnel in order to get from the hand to forearm.

The median nerve travels down your arm, through the carpal tunnel, and into your hand.  It carries sensory impulses from the thumb and four fingers on the the palm (except for the little finger and half of the ring finger), and carries motor impulses to muscles in the hand, mostly in the thumb.  When this nerve is compressed, there is a weakening of these muscles as well as tingling and numbness of the thumb, index and middle fingers.