Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Things that put you at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Health problems or illnesses that can cause arm pain or swelling in the joints and soft tissues in the arm, or reduce the blood flow to the hands. These include obesity, Reference rheumatoid arthritis Opens New Window, Reference diabetes Opens New Window, Reference lupus Opens New Window, Reference hypothyroidism Opens New Window, and Reference multiple sclerosis Opens New Window.
• Being female. Women between the ages of 40 and 60 have the highest risk. Pregnant women near the end of their pregnancies often have short-term symptoms. Women taking birth control pills, going through menopause, or taking estrogen are also thought to be at risk.
• Reference Hand and wrist movements and Reference activities that require repeated motions, especially in awkward positions.
• Smoking. It may contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome by affecting the blood flow to the median nerve.
• Broken wrist bones, dislocated bones, new bone growth from healing bones, or bone spurs. These can take up space in the carpal tunnel and put more pressure on the median nerve.
• Tumors and other growths (such as Reference ganglions Opens New Window). These uncommon causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are usually benign.
• Normal wear and tear of the tissues in the hand and wrist caused by aging.

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