• Carpal tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a disorder where the carpal tunnel narrows, compressing or squeezing the median nerve near the wrist, resulting in pain, tingling and other unpleasant symptoms in parts of the hand and wrist.
• CTS is one of the most common nerve conditions, afflicting as many as 10 million Americans.
• Women are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men.
• other conditions like arthritis, tendinitis or Raynaud’s syndrome can mimic carpal tunnel symptoms (it is important to rule them out before a diagnosis to prevent mistreatment).
• Symptoms of carpal tunnel range from from mild, occasional weakness and tingling to debilitating numbness and loss of proper hand function.
• People with CTS often have the sensation of swelling in the effected area when there is usually no swelling present.
• CTS can be effectively treated – but treatment varies from person to person including NSAIDS, splinting, physiotherapy, local steroid injections or surgery.
• Yoga has also proven beneficial to help relieve carpal tunnel symptoms for some sufferers.
• Carpal tunnel surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States.
• CTS predominantly effects the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers, leaving out the pinky. Sensations can spread up the arm in some cases.
• Many sufferers find symptoms worse at night because they sleep with bent wrists. Many people’s symptoms also worsen when performing repetitive actions.
• Assembly line workers (and others with repetitive jobs) are three times more likely to develop CTS than other types of workers.
• If CTS goes untreated for too long it can progress, causing permanent nerve and muscle damage.
• The actual “carpal tunnel’ is composed of eight tiny bones which form a tunnel.
• Causes are largely a mystery, but many professionals believe people may have a physical predisposition for smaller carpal tunnel cavities which become problematic. Trauma, menopause and pregnancy may increase risk as well.
• Research also suggests certain conditions make people more likely to develop CTS such as hypothyroidism or rheumatoid arthritis.

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