Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes & Risks

Causes

Carpal tunnel syndrome is created by pressure on the median nerve caused by the narrowing of the carpal tunnel. The narrowing can be caused by a variety of factors including:

Swelling of tissue in carpal tunnel due to injury or fluid changes in the body
Hereditary narrow carpal tunnel
Tumors (rare)

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors include:

Sex: female
Advancing age
Obesity
Excessive alcohol consumption
Smoking
Activities with repetitive hand motions:
- Certain sports
- Sewing
- Playing musical instruments
- Typing
- Assembly tasks
Water retention from:
- Heart failure
- Kidney problems
Wrist injury:
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Compression or crush injuries
Arthritis
Diabetes
Raynaud's disease which impairs blood flow in the hands
Hormone-related conditions:
- Pregnancy
- Breast-feeding
- Menopause
- Hypothyroidism
- Cushing's disease
- Excess growth hormone
Medications:
- Birth control pills
- Cortisone pills or shots
- Some high blood pressure drugs

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

0 comments

Empowered

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, "...

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and Diagnosis
By EmpowHER on October 13, 2011 - 5:39am
0 comments

Little unknown fact: in comparison to other medical conditions and injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common reasons employees are absent from work. Frequent absence ...

Carpal Tunnel vs Work Productivity, Part 2
By Samara Kelly on December 2, 2009 - 7:29am
0 comments

What would you do if you suddenly woke up one morning unable to use your hands? How would you feel if you had to start all over again learning how to do all your favorite activities with ...

Carpal Tunnel vs Work Productivity, Part 1
By Samara Kelly on November 30, 2009 - 6:44am
Dr. Rohde introduces herself and explains why women experience carpal tunnel syndrome more often than men.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Why Does This Affect More Women Than Men? - Dr. Rohde (VIDEO)
By Dr. Rachel Rohde Expert on July 28, 2009 - 9:23am
Dr. Rohde describes carpal tunnel syndrome.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? - Dr. Rohde (VIDEO)
By Dr. Rachel Rohde Expert on July 28, 2009 - 9:16am
Dr. Rohde describes the association between repetitive motion and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Repetitive Motion, What Is The Connection? - Dr. Rohde (VIDEO)
By Dr. Rachel Rohde Expert on July 28, 2009 - 9:11am
Dr. Rohde shares if employees with repetitive hand motions have an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Are Employees With Repetitive Hand Motions More Likely To Develop This? - Dr. Rohde (VIDEO)
By Dr. Rachel Rohde Expert on July 28, 2009 - 9:03am
Dr. Rohde explains why women often have carpal tunnel syndrome in their third trimester of pregnancy.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Why Do Women Often Get This During The Third Trimester? - Dr. Rohde (VIDEO)
By Dr. Rachel Rohde Expert on July 28, 2009 - 8:46am
Dr. Rohde discusses the long-term risk factors associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, What Are The Long-Term Risk Factors Associated With This? - Dr. Rohde (VIDEO)
By Dr. Rachel Rohde Expert on July 28, 2009 - 8:40am
Dr. Rohde explains when a woman should see a doctor if she suspects she has carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, When Should A Woman See A Doctor ? - Dr. Rohde (VIDEO)
By Dr. Rachel Rohde Expert on July 28, 2009 - 8:39am