Patients often report feelings of numbness and pain, typically towards the lateral (thumb region) direction of the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome frequently occurs from overuse and/or repetitive motions in the wrist. One may notice symptoms if they regularly curl their fingers; activities routinely flexing the fingers include holding a phone and the steering wheel. Some patients may be predisposed because of their unique anatomy, or trauma resulting in wrist fractures or sprains. Carpal tunnel release surgery candidates are those who did not respond positively to non-surgical therapies, including cortisone injections, physical therapy, and wearing wrist splints.