The Carpal Tunnel

Before we understand what is carpal tunnel syndrome, let us first understand a little bit about the anatomy of the wrist and hand.  Under the wrist there are a variety of bones, tendons, and nerves that provide the wrist with structure and stability and give the hand the ability to feel and move.  Some of these nerves and tendons are housed in little compartments.  One of these compartments is the carpal tunnel, a narrow circular passageway located on the palm side of your wrist. The tunnel surrounds and provides protection to a total of nine tendons moving from your forearm to your hand and an important nerve – the median nerve – which controls some sensation and movement in your hand and fingers.  

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Scientists have recognized that CTS is caused by a variety of conditions, including anatomy, gender, and work.  Due to one or a variety of such conditions, the tendons in the carpal tunnel begins to swell or the carpal tunnel itself slowly begins to narrow, placing pressure on the median nerve. Symptoms often start gradually.   A person might first start experiencing numbness, tingling or just plain discomfort in the thumb, middle and index fingers as well as the wrist.   As the disorder progresses, this feeling can increase and become constant.   A person with CTS might also experience weakness and drop items that he or she was once able to grasp without difficulty.  

Carpal tunnel is a common condition.  Five percent of the United States – some 3 million people – have the condition.  It affects people of all ages, but particularly people during the working  years (20-70 years) and during old age.  What can we do about the condition?  How can an ergonomic specialists assist with relieve the symptoms of such a injury?  Find out how in a our next post.

Thanks for reading,

Shaul Lent CEAS, MA, OTR/L