Carpal refers to the carpal bones, which are the eight small bones that make up the wrist. These bones are arranged in two rows and form the carpal tunnel.
Understanding the Carpal Tunnel
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist. It's formed by:
- The carpal bones: These eight small bones form the floor of the tunnel.
- The transverse carpal ligament: This ligament forms the roof of the tunnel, creating a protected space.
This tunnel is crucial because it houses the median nerve and tendons that control movement and feeling in your hand.
The Median Nerve
The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel, providing sensory and motor functions to the thumb and the three middle fingers.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pressure on the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, often due to swelling or inflammation, causes carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Common symptoms of CTS include:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Pain
- Weakness
These symptoms often begin gradually, affecting the thumb, index, middle, and sometimes the ring finger. Severe cases can lead to muscle weakness and atrophy.
Various factors can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, including repetitive hand motions, injury, and underlying medical conditions.
Many resources, including the Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355603), Johns Hopkins Medicine (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/carpal-tunnel-syndrome), and the Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4005-carpal-tunnel-syndrome), provide comprehensive information on carpal tunnel syndrome.
