Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve compression syndrome—so much so that, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, at least 1.89 million people suffer from the condition.

CTS occurs when the median nerve in the wrist’s narrow carpal tunnel becomes compressed by surrounding soft tissue. This compression reduces blood flow to the nerve and contributes to symptoms that include burning, tingling and numbness in the thumb and index and middle fingers. Pain in the forearm is also a common complaint.

Ted Uber of Long Valley, fresh from having knee replacement surgery, is looking forward to spending most of his spring and summer on the links.

Ted Uber thought he knew what to expect when recovering from knee replacement surgery at Somerset Medical Center. Four years earlier he had surgery on his left knee. But this time, his recovery was so much faster than he—or even his therapists—expected.

Sewell resident Frank Young gives his new knees a workout. Young had both knees surgically replaced at Somerset Medical Center.

Frank Young loves to work with his hands. At 78, the retired telephone company employee relishes his time in the garage, carving miniatures out of wood. However, years of pain due to arthritis in both knees threatened his ability to sit for long periods of time.

For nearly 10 years Young suffered in pain. He saw several orthopedists, all of whom provided temporary relief through the use of cortisone injections.