Wrist anatomy, underlying health conditions, and patterns of hand use can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Key symptoms are pain in the hand and arm with numbness or tingling.
Treatment may include rest, ice, wrist splints, cortisone injections, and surgery.
Very common
More than 3 million US cases per year
Treatable by a medical professional
Requires a medical diagnosis
Lab tests or imaging rarely required
More common in females
Medium-term: resolves within months
Common for ages 30 and older
Family history may increase likelihood
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling and other symptoms in the hand and arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a compressed nerve in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist.
The anatomy of your wrist, health problems and possibly repetitive hand motions can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Proper treatment usually relieves the tingling and numbness and restores wrist and hand function.
This is caused by pressure on the median nerve. Risk factors include:
- Anatomic factors- a disattachment at the wrist or arthritis which can change the shape of the small bones in the wrist can alter the space within the carpal tunnel and put pressure on the median nerve
- Sex- more common in women since they have a smaller carpal tunnel
- Nerve- damaging conditions such as diabetes, increase the risk
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Obesity and hypothyroidism are associated with the condition
- Tumors such as lipoma or ganglion that protrude onto the carpal tunnel
- Occupational factors: sewers, knitters, bakers, and cashiers are more likely to be affected
- Pregnancy
- Trauma
- A hereditary condition called Charcot- Marie- tooth disease
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