Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Dr. Harvey Finkelstein
Anesthesiologists such as Dr. Harvey Finkelstein often encounter patients suffering from pain as a result of carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a hard narrow passage of ligaments and bones at the base of the hand. It contains tendons and the median nerve. This nerve controls the feeling in the inner side of the thumb and fingers, although not the little finger. It also controls impulses to some of the small muscles in the hand which allow mobility of the fingers and thumb.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when an irritated tendon swells and narrows the tunnel. The median nerve becomes squeezed or pressured in the wrist. The result is often pain, numbness or weakness radiating from the hand up the arm. The symptoms usually start gradually, and often go unnoticed at first. In chronic, untreated cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may be worn away.
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