Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that arises when the median nerve—one of the arm’s three major nerves—gets compressed by thickening of the fingers’ flexor tendons as it passes through the napkin ring–like canal in the wrist that is surrounded by bones and ligaments.

Early symptoms include stiffness, numbness and a burning or tingling sensation in the thumb and fingers. Weakness and nocturnal awakening as well as discomfort driving a car indicate a more advanced condition.

Despite popular belief, repetitive motions like typing do not cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Its appearance is largely due to an inherited predisposition, which becomes symptomatic at any time from adolescence to old age but most common in perimenopausal or pregnant women, though men can also suffer from it.

Non-surgical treatments include braces, occupational therapy, anti-inflammatory medication and steroid injection, while severe cases may demand Carpal Tunnel Release surgery in its endoscopic or open form to avoid partial, permanent loss of hand strength and sensation in most cases.