Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a disorder that causes pain and
weakness in the hand and wrist. CTS develops from problems in a
nerve in the wrist -- not the muscles, as some people believe.
The symptoms of CTS can range from mild to incapacitating. To
understand how carpal tunnel syndrome arises, it is important to
know the parts of the hand and wrist that are involved. The
Carpal Tunnel. The carpal tunnel is a passageway that forms
beneath the strong, broad transverse ligament. This ligament is
a bridge that extends across the lower palm and connects the
bones of the wrist (carpals) that form an arch below the tunnel.
The Median Nerve and Flexor Tendons. The median nerve and nine
flexor tendons pass under the ligament bridge and through the
carpal tunnel (similar to a river). They extend from the forearm
up into the hand: It is not completely known how the process
leading to carpal tunnel syndrome actually evolves, and how
nerve conduction (the transmission of the nerve signal) through
the wrist changes. In