Which nerve is impinged by carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome specifically involves the median nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, as well as some motor functions in the hand. This condition arises when the median nerve gets compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway located on the palm side of the wrist.

The carpal tunnel is surrounded by ligaments and bones, and when it becomes narrowed or inflamed, it places pressure on the median nerve. This can lead to the classic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, which include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. The median nerve's involvement is what differentiates carpal tunnel syndrome from other nerve entrapment syndromes affecting different nerves, such as the ulnar or radial nerves. Understanding this relationship is crucial for diagnosing and treating carpal tunnel syndrome effectively.