The wrist joins the ulna and radius to the carpal bones. Tendons interact with the carpal bones to allow the wide ranging and complex movement. This flexibility and movement is restricted by conditions such as arthritis. The median nerve passes through the wrist via a passage called the carpal tunnel. Ligaments that surround the nerve are not flexible and swelling can restrict blood flow and cause pressure on the median nerve leading to pain and reduced function of the hand.
Image courtesy of 3DScience.com |