Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a common cause of wrist and hand pain, is caused by the wrist swelling in an anatomical area known as the Carpal Tunnel. The Carpal Tunnel is a gap in the carpal (wrist) bones through which muscles, blood vessels and nerves pass on their way to the hand from the forearm. Compression of the Median nerve causes altered sensation in the wrist and the fingers nearest the thumb, as well as the thumb itself. Research studies have shown that the pressure within the Carpal Tunnel is increased if the wrist is held in a position of extension (such as typing at a keyboard) or flexion (when gripping tightly). Common Carpal Tunnel Syndrome presents with pain in the hand and wrist, pins and needles in the hand and burning, tingling or numbness in the hand.
