Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disorder of the hand caused by pressure of the nerve that run through the wrist. Symptoms include numbness, pins and needles, and pain around the fingers. These sensations are often more pronounced at night and can awaken people from sleep.
Chronic carpal tunnel syndrome can also lead to wasting (atrophy) of the hand muscles and frequent dropping of objects from the hand due to reduced in grip strength.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated by a number of different methods including wrist braces, anti-inflammatory medication and physiotherapy. In cases where the symptoms persist, cortisone injections or surgery should resolve carpal tunnel. It is important to treat carpal tunnel or it may lead to permanent injury.