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Anatomy of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- The internal structureWhat is the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful condition in which the median nerve gets compressed. The median nerve is an important nerve that provides sensation to the thumb, index finger and middle finger. Swelling of tendons present in the hand is also known to cause this condition. Though this disorder can occur at any age, it is more common after the age of 50. It is also known to affect
more women than men.
Causes of the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The compression of the median nerve occurs due to undue strain on the wrist. Activities that involve applying excess pressure on the hands such as sewing, cutting, playing the violin, prolonged working on the computer, golfing and canoeing often lead to this condition. Repeated and forced movements of the wrist and incorrect lifting of things cause the carpal tunnel syndrome. Certain health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, hormonal disorders like menopause and diabetes are also known to cause this disease.
The Anatomy
The carpal tunnel is made up of eight carpal bones. It is enclosed by bone on three sides. It is a confined space present below the wrist at the heel of the hand. It serves as a passage for the median nerve and the nine flexing tendons that help bend the fingers. The spongy tissue or protective sheath surrounding the tendons is called the tenosynovium. Swelling of this space puts excess pressure on the median nerve.
The median nerve begins as a part of the brachial plexus, which originates at the neck. At the front of the shoulder, the brachial plexus trifurcates into the median, radial and ulnar nerves. The median nerve enters the hand through the carpal tunnel and terminates in the thumb, index and middle fingers. It serves to provide sensation to these parts of the hand.
Flexor muscles also play a major role in the carpal tunnel syndrome. They are situated at the palm side of the forearm. The flexor muscles contract to make the fingers curl or close around an object. The tendons of these flexor muscles pass through the carpal tunnel. Inflammation in this region causes compression of the median nerve.
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Carpel tunnel syndrome statistics- An Important Feature in the Study of the Cause
Carpel tunnel syndrome is a compression of the median nerve at the wrist which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers. It is caused by the pressure extended on the median nerve at the point where it...
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