Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, tingling, weakness and other problems in the hand and arm. It occurs due to the pressure on the median nerve that runs from the forearm through the carpal tunnel to the hand. This pressure can come from swelling or anything that makes the carpal tunnel smaller.
Early diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome is important to prevent long-term damage to the median nerve. Surgery may not be needed if the condition is diagnosed early and can be treated with just splints and medications. However, carpal tunnel surgery is needed if the symptoms persist or are severe even after nonsurgical treatment.