Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common complaint that involves inflammation of the Median Nerve that goes to the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Problems on the pinky side of the hand are likely NOT carpal tunnel syndrome.
This nerve can become inflamed or entrapped anywhere between your neck and wrist. In addition, bundles of nerves and blood vessels can be impinged at other areas, such as around the collar bone (clavicle) and chest muscles (pectoralis minor)- conditions typically diagnosed as ‘thoracic outlet syndrome’ rather than carpal tunnel syndrome.