Carpal tunnel syndrome

The carpal tunnel is a "tube-like" structure in the wrist through which the median nerve passes. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, commonly known as "mouse hand." This condition is common in people who frequently use their wrists for extended periods, such as homemakers, programmers, carpenters, and chefs. The main symptoms are pain in the anterior wrist and numbness and weakness in the hand, typically affecting the thumb, index, and middle finger areas, which are innervated by the median nerve.