Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compressive neuropathy of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, frequently caused by repetitive wrist activity, systemic disease (e.g., diabetes), or anatomical variants. Clinical features include paresthesia, numbness, and weakness of the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger, often worsening at night. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography to assess severity. Management includes wrist splinting, activity modification, corticosteroid injections, and surgical decompression in refractory cases. Prognosis is generally favorable with early intervention, though chronic compression can lead to permanent sensory or motor deficits.