The Facts
Carpal tunnel syndrome is due to squeezing of the median nerve as
it passes through the wrist to the hand. This nerve is contained in the
carpal tunnel, a narrow channel just above the wrist. In carpal tunnel
syndrome, that channel starts to shrink, compressing the nerve and causing inflammation.
The result is hand pain, numbness, tingling and, sometimes, hand weakness or
restricted movement. The ring finger and little finger are usually spared.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common causes of claims for workers'
injury compensation, coming second only to lower back pain. Women aged 30 to
50 are most severely affected.