Final answer:
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb and first two fingers. Diagnosis can be made through a simple test to measure nerve impulse speed. Treatment options include wrist splinting, injections, or surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb and first two fingers of the hand. The compression of the nerve can result from repetitive use of the wrist, a tumor, or wrist trauma. To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, a doctor may order a simple test to measure the speed of nerve impulses in the arm. Treatment options may include wearing a wrist splint, receiving corticosteroid injections, or undergoing surgery to release the pressure on the median nerve.