The median nerve is responsible for the movements of the thumb and the sensation in the thumb, index and middle fingers. The condition affects thousands of men and women but is much more common in women. It usually affects your dominant hand and occurs between the ages of 40-60. In most situations carpal tunnel syndrome occurs as a result of repeated hand motions that keep the wrist in a bent position or repeated forceful grasping with the hand. Examples are writing, typing, driving, using vibrating power tools, playing the piano, knitting, and needlepoint.
Symptoms are usually worse in the early morning and at night.
Rarely, carpal tunnel syndrome will cause permanent nerve and muscle damage. Even with severe symptoms, however, treatment can result in permanent cure. Your doctor will bend your wrist and hand downward for one minute. If this test reproduces your symptoms, you are likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome. Your doctor will tap over the median nerve at your wrist.