When the wrist is repeatedly overextended, either the tissue sheath coverings of the tendons or the tendons themselves that pass through the carpal tunnel become irritated and swell. Continued irritation can cause these tissues to thicken permanently. Because the space within the carpal tunnel is limited, constrained by the wrist bones and ligament tissue, this swelling and/or thickening of the tendon tissues puts pressure the median nerve, causing tingling, pain, and eventually nerve damage that can be disabling.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may begin with numbness and/or tingling in the hand. Another common symptom is discomfort in the affected arm--that may reach as far as the shoulder--while sleeping. Treatment ranges from rest and physical therapy to surgery in severe cases. The procedure permanently severs the ligament surrounding the tunnel.
The System
The Syndrome
and The Solutions