Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition involving numbness, pain, and tingling in the wrist, hand, and fingers. It occurs when pressure is put on a nerve in the wrist, called the median nerve, which controls motor function in the thumb. This pressure is most often caused by thickening of a ligament on the palm side of the wrist, called the transverse carpal ligament. The exact reason why this ligament thickens is unknown. It is thought to be a combination of the person’s anatomy, physiology, and external stresses experienced by the hand and wrist.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be diagnosed by history and physical exam and confirmed with a nerve conduction study. It can often be effectively treated with non-surgical therapies such as wrist splints. In specific circumstances, corticosteroids injections can be used for treatment. In cases where pain and numbness persist, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve.