Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Home » Carpal Tunnel Syndrome » Overview, Incidence and Prevalence, Causes and Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

Overview

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition caused by compression, or entrapment, of the motor and sensory nerve in the wrist (median nerve), resulting in pain, muscle weakness, impaired reflexes, numbness, and tingling in the hand. Nerve compression is often associated with repetitive activities (e.g., typing, painting, hammering) that cause stress injury, swelling, and inflammation.

The carpal tunnel is a canal in the wrist through which fibrous connective tissue (tendons), nerves, and blood vessels pass. The transverse carpal ligament covers the carpal tunnel.

Incidence and Prevalence

Incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome is highest in women over the age of 30. The condition may be more prevalent in people who use their wrists in repetitive activity (e.g., typists, computer operators, house painters).

Cause and Risk Factors

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve. The primary risk factor is a history of another musculoskeletal disorder. The condition develops most often in people who regularly use vibrating machinery and tools and those who use their wrists repetitively, such as:

• Accountants
  
• Artists–musicians, painters, writers
  
• Assembly line workers
  
• Bus, taxi, and truck drivers
  
• Carpenters
  
• Check-out clerks
  
• Computer operators and programmers
  

Hobbies such as rowing, knitting, needlepoint, and gardening may also increase the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. Other risk factors include underlying medical conditions, such as the following:

• Arthritis
  
• Amyloidosis (metabolic disorder)
  
• Bone enlargement caused by overproduction of growth hormone (acromegaly)
  
• Diabetes mellitus
  
• Reduced thyroid gland function (hypothyroidism)
  
• Pregnancy (may cause swelling of the extremities)
  
• Tendon inflammation (tenosynovitis)
  
• Uremia (condition in which the kidneys do not filter the blood sufficiently)
  
• Wrist fracture
  

Signs and Symptoms

The primary symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are pain and numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers that often worsen at night and may radiate to the upper arm. Symptoms usually occur near the palm of the hand. Other symptoms include muscle weakness in the hand and wrist, tingling, and impaired reflexes.

In advanced cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, shrinkage (atrophy) of the fleshy area at the base of the thumb may occur.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Overview, Incidence and Prevalence, Causes and Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms reprinted with permission from neurologychannel.com
© 1998-2008 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Resources

	Join Our Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer