What is 'carpal tunnel syndrome'?

What is 'carpal tunnel syndrome'?

Gary Brazina (Sports Medicine Physician) gives expert video advice on: What is 'carpal tunnel syndrome'?; How do some athletes develop 'carpal tunnel syndrome'?; How is 'carpal tunnel syndrome' treated in athletes?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compression syndrome of the median nerve. The carpal tunnel is an anatomic area at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is made up of three sides of bone, the carpal bones, and on top of it is the transverse carpal ligament, a thick fibrous ligament. Through the carpal tunnel runs eight tendons that flex the wrist, and the median nerve, which supplies sensation at this level to the radial three-and-a-half digits. That happens through overuse, most commonly from typing, using the computer mouse, we see it in cashiers, and it becomes an overuse where there is compression of the nerve.