What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
If you experience numbness, tingling, and pain in the arm, hand, and fingers, you may be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Some people have more difficulty keeping a firm grip on things and as a result, they may keep losing things.
The main cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is swelling due to repetitive motion or overuse of the wrist and fingers. The carpal tunnel, located at the base of the palm, is surrounded by bones, tendons and a ligament. This space lets certain tendons and a major nerve pass from the forearm into the hand. With CTS, the tendon sheaths may thicken and enlarge which reduce the amount of space inside the carpal tunnel. As a result, the median nerve may be compressed.
Pregnant women who suffer from generalized swelling of the hands and feet throughout their pregnancy may be susceptible to CTS. Diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and diabetes can also give rise to CTS. For people who engage in repetitive activities, the pain and numbness may return during the day. If left untreated, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may result in progressive and permanent weakness and numbness in the hand.