Carpal tunnel syndrome

Tingling, numbness, burning pain, and/or hand weakness on the thumb side of your hand (your palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of your ring finger) is known as carpal tunnel syndrome. 

These symptoms, usually most prevalent at night, are caused by compression of the median nerve at the front and middle of your wrist as it passes through your carpal tunnel.

Formed by an arch of your wrist bones and a “roof” of tough fibrous tissue (flexor retinaculum), this fairly narrow passage transmits blood vessels, the median nerve and nine tendons that curl (flex) your fingers to your hand.

Although there are many possible causes of carpal tunnel syndrome, thickening and fibrosis of your finger flexion tendons is the most common. This may be amplified by factors such as obesity and the generalized swelling that often occurs during the later stages of pregnancy.