What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Abstract

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?The carpal tunnel is a narrow channel about 1 inch long between the wrist and the hand.This anatomic tunnel is formed by the bones on the back of the wrist and is covered by a thick band of connective tissue on the front (palm side) of the wrist, and contains tendons and the median nerve.Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the palm of the hand, is compressed by swelling of other tissues within the carpal tunnel or by narrowing of the carpal tunnel.The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, the index finger, the middle finger, and half of the ring finger and is responsible for movement of all of the fingers and the wrist.

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