Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, numbness, tingling, and sometimes weakness in the hand.  The carpals are the small bones in the wrist.  They form a tunnel through which the median nerve passes.  The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger.  It also innervates part of the palm. Crossing over the top of the carpal tunnel is the transverse carpal ligament.  If the carpal tunnel becomes too tight, the median nerve can be compressed and irritated.  This results in pain, numbness, and tingling in the parts of the hand supplied with sensation by the median nerve.  Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome involves relieving pressure over the median nerve.  This can be done with splints that hold the wrist in a slightly extended position.  Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or steroid injections may relieve inflammation at the carpal tunnel.  Nonsurgical treatment is often ineffective and a carpal tunnel release may be recommended. A small incision is made over the carpal tunnel.  The transverse carpal ligament is identified and cut to relieve pressure over the median nerve.  The incision is then closed with sutures. Carpal tunnel release surgery is relatively safe and effective, and recovery is quick.