What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition in which one of the nerves leading from the wrist to the hand is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a space in the wrist through which tendons that flex the fingers also pass. The pressure causes pain and loss of some use of the hand. Severe cases can lead to wasting and weakness of the small muscles at the base of the thumb.

The disorder mainly affects middle-aged and elderly women, especially those who use their fingers a lot, such as typists, housewives or pianists.