Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive and sometimes painful joint disorder caused by a compression of the median nerve of your hand. The compression causes swelling, which exerts pressure on the nerves.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is probably the most common source of wrist pain. Symptoms may include soreness, numbness or tingling, or a burning sensation. Some people who develop carpel tunnel find it difficult and painful to rotate their wrist, or move their hand up or down or from side to side.

Carpal tunnel is more common among people who make the same wrist movements over and over (as in sewing, painting, and writing), using a computer, and playing racquetball or handball. Diabetes, arthritis, pregnancy, and obesity also have been linked with carpal tunnel.