Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful illness of the hand and wrist caused by a gradual compression of the median nerve. As the median nerve is squeezed, less blood and nutrients flow to it, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the fingers and thumb.
In most cases, carpal tunnel syndrome is thought to be due to a congenital predisposition -- the carpal tunnel is simply smaller in some people than in others. However, the risk of developing the condition is especially common in those performing assembly line work, and is more common in women than in men.
(Click Carpal Tunnel Syndrome to learn more about the anatomy of the carpal tunnel, specific occupations that put you at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, irreversible damage the condition can cause, and more. You can also click any of the links in the box to the right for specific information.)
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