Which condition involves compression of a nerve at the base of the hand due to thickening of irritated tendons, causing pain and numbness?

• A. Hernia
• B. Carpal tunnel syndrome
• C. Fracture
• D. Fibromyalgia

Answer: (B)

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed inside the carpal tunnel at the wrist. The tunnel is formed by the carpal bones and the flexor retinaculum, and thickening or irritation of the flexor tendons can crowd this space and press on the nerve. This compression causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, and sometimes weakness in the hand. The description—compression of a nerve at the base of the hand due to thickened irritated tendons leading to pain and numbness—fits this pattern precisely, since it describes median nerve compression at the wrist.

Other options don’t fit the mechanism: a hernia is a tissue protrusion, a fracture is a broken bone, and fibromyalgia is widespread musculoskeletal pain without focal nerve compression at the wrist.