Question

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a complex of symptoms resulting from pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. It causes pain, burning, or tingling in the fingers or hand. This complex of symptoms is called _____ tunnel syndrome.

Answer 1

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the result of median nerve compression within the wrist's carpal tunnel, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand. Treatments include splints, injections, or surgery to alleviate pressure on the nerve.

Step-by-step explanation:

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition involving the compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This narrow passageway is surrounded by the carpal bones on the sides and bottom and sealed by the flexor retinaculum, a strong ligament, at the top. The median nerve, responsible for providing sensation and motor function to the hand, can become compressed due to various factors such as repetitive wrist movements, inflamed tendons, or trauma. Symptoms often include numbness, pain, and tingling in the hand and fingers—specifically the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome varies from non-invasive methods like wrist splints and corticosteroid injections to surgical procedures where the carpal ligament is cut to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Post-surgery recurrence rates are quite low, but if untreated, the condition can lead to significant muscle weakness and waste away in the affected areas. Work-related activities involving consistent wrist use or trauma can increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.