Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Understanding its causes, symptoms and impact

It usually affects people over 30 years of age and is more commonly seen in females. Its prevalence is estimated to be between 1 per cent and 5 per cent.

carpal tunnel, carpal tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome causes — Carpal Tunnel Syndome is caused due to the compression of a major nerve of the hand called the Median Nerve, which is near the wrist. (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition affecting the hand and is characterised by pain, tingling, burning, and numbness along the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger — the little finger is not affected. This condition begins gradually and the symptoms are intermittent at first and can often appear at night as many people tend to sleep with their wrists bent. If left untreated, the condition progresses resulting in frequent or persistent symptoms. In severe or advanced cases, there is wasting of muscles at the base of the thumb resulting in reduced grip strength and inability to grasp objects. It usually affects people over 30 years of age and is more commonly seen in females. Its prevalence is estimated to be between 1 per cent and 5 per cent.