Carpal Tunnel Syndrome most commonly arises from compression of the median nerve at the wrist. This can cause pain and pins and needles in the thumb and first three fingers. This can be caused from localised swelling [water retention, pregnancy, post-fracture or arthritis of the wrist]. Or alternatively, it may come from median nerve compression occuring anywhere from the neck to the forearm causing reduced gliding in the median nerve.
This compression can result in increased irritability of the nerve, with resultant numbness, pins & needles or pain along the Median nerve distribution of the hand. If significant pressure is present, it may impact the motor nerves supplying muscles at the base of the thumb, leading to a weak pinch and wasted muscles.
