Maria José de Assis, a 59-year-old retiree from Brazil, started experiencing abnormal symptoms at the end of 2023, including numbness in her fingertips, swelling in her hands, and tingling that traveled up her arms. This discomfort significantly worsened at night, affecting her ability to sleep and causing extreme pain. Eventually, after the onset of severe symptoms, she was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in 2024.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs due to compression of the median nerve in the wrist, and it is one of the most common conditions affecting the hand. Medical expert João Belloti, an orthopedic surgeon and head of the hand surgery residency program at Hospital Alvorada Moema, noted the rising incidence of this condition. Official statistics from Brazil's health ministry reported over 500,000 appointments related to carpal tunnel syndrome between January and November 2025, highlighting its prevalence, particularly among women, with nearly 82% of cases occurring in female patients.

The growing number of recorded cases points to a significant public health concern. While the statistics indicate a large number of affected individuals, they also reveal that many patients return for follow-up care or multiple consultations, complicating the overall understanding of how widespread carpal tunnel syndrome truly is. Such insights underscore the need for greater awareness and preventative measures regarding this painful yet manageable condition in Brazil, especially in light of its demographic distribution among women, who may face specific risks related to their everyday activities and occupations.