Carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in your hand, wrist, and sometimes forearm. It is caused by pressure on the median nerve. This nerve runs through a space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. You may be more likely to get the syndrome if you overuse your hand or wrist. You may also be more likely to get it if you are pregnant or have a problem like an underactive thyroid or diabetes.

Many people get better if they rest their wrist and wear a splint. Some people need surgery.