Five things you didn't know about carpal tunnel syndrome

What is it? This painful, progressive condition, also called median nerve entrapment, occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. It's more common in women and it affects up to 10 percent of the population. Symptoms These include numbness, tingling and pain in the hand, which might awaken you at night; a shocking feeling in the fingers or hand; strange sensations and pain that might travel up the arm toward the shoulder; and a feeling of weakness or clumsiness. Causes A 2001 Mayo Clinic study ruled out heavy computer use. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says carpal tunnel syndrome is most likely due to a congenital predisposition - the carpal