How does carpal tunnel syndrome develop?   Bending the wrist or moving the fingers brings muscles and tendons into action. For example, when a person bends a finger, the tendon moves about two inches. The tendons of the hand are encased in sheaths, or sleeves through which the tendons slide. The inner wall of the sheaths contains cells that produce a slippery fluid to lubricate the tendons. Lubrication is essential for the normal and smooth functioning of the tendons. With repetitive or excessive movement of the hand, the lubrication system may malfunction. It may not produce enough fluid or it may produce a fluid with poor lubricating qualities. Failure of the lubricating system creates friction between the tendon and its sheath causing inflammation and swelling of the tendon area. In turn, the swelling squeezes the median nerve in the wrist or carpal tunnel. Repeated episodes of inflammation cause fibrous tissue to form. The fibrous tissue thickens the tendon sheath, and hinders tendon movement.

Compression of the Medial Nerve that runs through a band in your wrist (retinaculum band).  A repetitive strain injury of the flexor muscles of the wrist.  Will causes inflammation within the narrow channel of the wrist which then compresses the nerve. 

 

Symptoms:        Tingling/numbness in the palm and most fingers, weakness and pain extending into the forearm

                        Pain is usually worse at night and will wake early am (usually around 3 or 4 am) from pain.