Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand — the median nerve — is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is named after the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist, which houses the median nerve and tendons.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
The typical symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring fingers. Often, symptoms appear during the night, as many people sleep with flexed wrists which further compress the carpal tunnel. The discomfort may cause people to wake up and shake out their hands. As the condition progresses, symptoms can persist during the day, and weakness in the hands may develop, making it difficult to grasp objects or perform tasks that require manual dexterity.

Causes and Risk Factors:
The primary cause of CTS is an increase in pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel. Several factors can contribute to this increased pressure — repetitive hand motions, poor wrist position, and genetic predisposition. Conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid gland imbalance can also predispose individuals to CTS. Women are generally at higher risk than men, possibly due to having a smaller carpal tunnel.