Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a collection of characteristic symptoms and signs that occurs following compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. Usual symptoms include numbness, paresthesias, and pain in the median nerve distribution. These symptoms may or may not be accompanied by objective changes in sensation and strength of median-innervated structures in the hand.
The cause of the damage is subject to some debate; however, it seems likely that abnormally high carpal tunnel pressures exist in patients with CTS. This pressure causes obstruction of venous outflow, back pressure, edema formation, and ultimately, ischemia in the nerve.