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is the most common nerve entrapment syndrome in the upper extremity.
It may be the result of chronic trauma and may be related to repetitive
movements of the hands, forceful gripping, and direct pressure to
the carpal tunnel. Predisposing conditions include obesity,
trauma, hypothyroidism, and pregnancy.
Symptoms include painful numbness
of the first, second, third, and half of the fourth digit of the
affected hand. Patients are often awakened at night from this.
Other activities, such as gripping a steering wheel may precipitate
it. If there is involvement of the nerves in the cervical
spine as well, this is known as double crush syndrome.
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