Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when there’s pressure on one’s median nerve in the wrist. This nerve runs through a tight space alongside bones as well as ligaments on one’s palm side of the hand. When the median nerve gets squeezed, one may experience a tingling sensation or a feeling of numbness and weakness in the hands and arms. Factors like wrist anatomy, clinical conditions, and repeatedly doing the same or similar hand movements can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Timely medical intervention can ease the tingling and numbness, restoring wrist and hand function. In this post, let’s understand the major causes of carpal tunnel syndrome and its risk factors.
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused?
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually happens when the median nerve in your wrist gets pressed. This nerve goes from your forearm through a passage in your wrist (i.e., the carpal tunnel) to your hand. It gives a feeling to the palm side of the thumb as well as the fingers (except the little finger) and controls the muscles around the base of your thumb.
Anything that squeezes or bothers the median nerve in the carpal tunnel can cause this ailment. For example, a wrist fracture or swelling from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can narrow the tunnel and irritate the nerve.
Sometimes, there isn’t just one reason for carpal tunnel syndrome. There can be many different carpal tunnel syndrome reasons. It might happen because of a mix of different risk factors like —
- Anatomic Factors: Wrist injuries, arthritis, or deformities in wrist bones can alter the carpal tunnel space, putting pressure on the median nerve.
- Carpal Tunnel Size: Smaller carpal tunnels may increase the risk of this ailment.
- Gender: The condition is more common in women, possibly due to smaller carpal tunnel areas compared to men.
- Nerve-Damaging Conditions: Some chronic illnesses like diabetes can heighten the risk of nerve damage. This can also damage the median nerve.
- Medications: Some studies suggest a link between this syndrome and the use of anastrozole, a breast cancer drug.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Clinical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can affect wrist tendon linings. This, in turn, exerts pressure on the median nerve.
- Obesity: Being overweight could be a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Body Fluid Changes: Fluid retention, common during menopause and pregnancy, may increase pressure in the carpal tunnel.
- Other Medical Conditions: Some health conditions like menopause, kidney failure, thyroid disorders, and lymphedema can also increase the risks of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Workplace Factors: Using vibrating tools or performing repetitive wrist movements, especially in a cold environment, may worsen nerve damage. However, scientific evidence on these factors as the direct causes is conflicting.
While some studies suggest a connection between computer use and carpal tunnel syndrome, the evidence is not consistent. Mouse use, rather than keyboard usage, may be a potential issue, but there's not enough quality evidence to establish extensive computer use as a clear risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome.
One can follow some simple measures to prevent the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
For instance, keep the keyboard at a height that is slightly lower than the elbow or at the same level, try not to bend the wrist completely down or up, wear fingerless gloves to keep the wrists and hands warm, and sit in the correct (i.e., upright) posture. You should also take frequent but short breaks to stretch and bend your wrists and hands, particularly if you work with equipment that vibrates or requires you to exert a good amount of force. Remember to hit the keyboard or cash register less forcefully. If your work entails prolonged periods of writing using pens, opt for oversized pens with soft grip adapters.
Conclusion
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a complex clinical condition with different possible causes and risk factors. The main causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include wrist injuries, arthritis, and certain health conditions. Treatment can help ease these symptoms and restore normal hand function. Having a clear understanding of the diverse causes empowers individuals to make well-informed choices about their health. It’s essential to recognise the complexity of this condition for effective management. A good health insurance plan can help cover the costs of consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, ensuring timely and effective care without financial burden.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.