Orthopedics / Neurology

Patient Education

Carpal Tunnel

The median nerve travels from the forearm into your hand through a "tunnel" in your wrist. The bottom and sides of the tunnel are formed by wrist bones and the top of the tunnel is covered by a strong band of connective tissue called a ligament. This tunnel also contains nine tendons that connect muscles top bones and bend your fingers and thumb. These tendons are covered with a lubricating membrane called synovium, which may enlarge and swell under some circumstances. If the swelling is sufficient it may cause the median nerve to be pressed up against this strong ligament which may result in numbness, tingling in your hand, clumsiness or pain.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carpel Tunnel Syndrome