Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a medical condition in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist causing symptoms like tingling, numbness, night time wakening, pain, coldness, and sometimes weakness in parts of the hand. CTS is more common in women than it is in men, and has a peak incidence around age 50 (though it can occur in any adult). The lifetime risk for CTS is around 10% of the adult population.

Treatment for CTS may involve some combination of therapeutic options including bracing the wrist, steroid injections, ergonomic changes to daily routines, medication, or surgery.

For further information:

• The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health provides this CTS information sheet.

Last modified: 2006-10-18