Median nerve pain is often caused by compression or injury to the nerve. The most common reason is carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve is squeezed as it passes through the wrist. This compression can lead to burning pain, numbness, and tingling, particularly at night. Other causes include injuries like anterior shoulder dislocation, elbow dislocation, humerus fractures, and wrist lacerations.
Understanding the Median Nerve and Its Function
The median nerve is a major nerve in your arm that controls movement and feeling in parts of your hand and forearm. It provides motor functions (movement) to the forearm, wrist, and hand, and also sends sensory information (touch, pain, and temperature) from the lower arm, hand, and fingers. When this nerve is damaged or compressed, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain.
Common Causes of Median Nerve Pain
Several factors can cause your median nerve to hurt:
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): This is the most frequent cause. The median nerve is compressed within the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in your wrist. This compression results from inflammation or swelling around the nerve, often due to repetitive movements or underlying conditions. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
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Other Injuries: Trauma, such as fractures (humerus, radius), dislocations (shoulder, elbow), or stab wounds, can directly injure the median nerve.
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Inflammation: Conditions leading to inflammation near the median nerve can also cause pain.
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Entrapment Syndromes: These occur when the nerve is compressed at various points along its path.
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Rare Conditions: Less common causes include certain medical conditions that affect the nerves.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Detail
As mentioned, carpal tunnel syndrome is a leading cause of median nerve pain. It occurs when the median nerve is squeezed under the fascial sheath of the flexor retinaculum in your wrist. The resulting compression causes characteristic symptoms like:
- Pain, especially at night
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness in the hand and fingers
Seeking Medical Attention
If you are experiencing median nerve pain, it's crucial to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can determine the underlying cause of your pain and recommend appropriate management strategies.
