OverviewCarpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of the hand. When the median nerve is compressed, symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm. Show
The anatomy of the wrist, health problems and possibly repetitive hand motions can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Proper treatment usually relieves the tingling and numbness and restores wrist and hand function. SymptomsCarpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually start gradually and include:
When to see a doctorSee your health care provider if you have signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome that interfere with your normal activities and sleep patterns. Permanent nerve and muscle damage can occur without treatment. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research
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information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesCarpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve runs from the forearm through a passageway in the wrist (carpal tunnel) to the hand. It provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb and fingers, except the little finger. It also provides nerve signals to move the muscles around the base of the thumb (motor function). Anything that squeezes or irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. A wrist fracture can narrow the carpal tunnel and irritate the nerve, as can the swelling and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Many times, there is no single cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. It may be that a combination of risk factors contributes to the development of the condition. Risk factorsA number of factors have been associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Although they may not directly cause carpal tunnel syndrome, they may increase the risk of irritation or damage to the median nerve. These include:
PreventionThere are no proven strategies to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, but you can minimize stress on the hands and wrists with these methods:
Carpal tunnel syndrome care at Mayo Clinic Feb. 25, 2022
RelatedAssociated ProceduresNews from Mayo ClinicProducts & ServicesWhy does my right arm hurt and fingers tingle?A common cause of numbness, tingling, and pain in the forearm and hand, carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a compression or irritation of the median nerve in the narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist called the carpal tunnel.
When should I worry about my right arm tingling?Arm numbness can occur for several reasons that range from mild causes, such as sleeping in the wrong position, to a severe medical condition, such as a heart attack. Sudden numbness in one or both arms may be a sign of a heart attack, stroke, or nerve damage, especially if a person has other symptoms.
What causes tingling and numbness in right arm and hand?Numbness and tingling can be caused by diseases of the central nervous system. Multiple sclerosis, stroke, and other disorders of the brain and spinal cord may sometimes cause numbness in the forearm and hand. Other diseases can affect the nerves in the upper limb, causing numbness, tingling, burning.
What does tingling in right hand fingers mean?In many cases, tingling fingers are the result of a lack of blood supply reaching the fingers or damage to a nerve that extends to the hand and fingers. Infection, inflammation, or an underlying medical condition can also cause tingling fingers.
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