The Many Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The typical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling, weakness or pain of the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. In some cases, night pain may be so severe as to waken the person, but can often be alleviated by shaking, hanging, or massaging the hand. Weakness, numbness and loss of function can occur if the condition progresses.
Most people associate carpal tunnel syndrome with office workers, since the occurrence of carpal tunnel as a result of using a computer keyboard has received a lot of press. But there is a very wide variety of other occupations and activities that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome in addition to using a computer mouse or keyboard. Activities as gentle as knitting, or as aggressive as operating a jack-hammer, can also result in carpal tunnel syndrome.
In this article Troy, MI area carpal tunnel specialist Dr. Uzma Rehman explains the many causes of this frustrating and uncomfortable hand condition.
Activities Causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects approximately 3-6% of adults in the general population, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reports that carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common nerve entrapment syndrome, affecting millions of Americans annually. The highest incidence of Carpal Tunnel occurs between ages 45-64, with the condition becoming increasingly common with age.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, carpal tunnel syndrome is typically the result of a combination of factors that put increased pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the wrist’s carpal tunnel. Such activities can include:
- Repetitive motion
- Awkward or uncomfortable hand positions
- Tight or strong gripping
- Stress or pressure on the palm
- Subjecting the hand or wrist to vibration
Repetitive Hand Motion Jobs Causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that carpal tunnel syndrome accounts for approximately 31% of all workplace repetitive strain injuries
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), carpal tunnel syndrome results in more lost workdays than any other workplace injury. The median time away from work for carpal tunnel syndrome cases is approximately 28 days, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data
The link between carpal tunnel syndrome and computer keyboard is also well established. A few decades ago, secretaries were typically the only profession that typed enough to result in carpal tunnel syndrome. However, today, most desk and office positions – from attorneys to engineers to administrators – involve significant time typing, leading to increased risk of Carpal Tunnel.
However, keyboard work is NOT the only type of occupation that can lead to CTS.
Cashiers and hairdressers are two prime examples of occupations that require repetitive hand motions – which can put them at risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. People who sew, knit or play an instrument – whether as a hobby or as a profession – also are susceptible to carpal tunnel caused by repetitive motions.
Bakers who knead dough, farmers who hand-milking cows, and gardeners performing hand-weeding are other examples of repetitive motion activities that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Production and assembly line workers who handle objects on conveyor belts, or who assemble small parts may also be at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Gripping & Pushing Occupations Causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Mechanics, plumbers, construction workers and repair personnel who are constantly pushing down on ratchet, wrenches and screwdrivers may also be at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome – as are painters who use spray guns.
Pounding safety levers and pressing stamping machine buttons can all also result in carpal tunnel syndrome. And the vibrations from jack-hammers and other air-powered hand tools can also lead to CTS.
Medical Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Most people do not realize that, in addition to motion and trauma, several diseases and medical conditions are associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
In some cases, such as diseases like Arthritis, the medical condition itself is what narrows or impeded the “carpal tunnel” putting pressure on the affected nerves. In other cases an injury to the wrist area – such as a wrist fractures and dislocations – is the direct cause of the narrowing of the carpal tunnel.
In other situations, conditions such as diabetes, gout, can cause changes in the body that contribute to the pressure on the median nerve.
Other medical conditions that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome are Amyloidosis, which is an infiltration of the liver, kidneys & spleen with a starch-like substance. Hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid gland, can also contribute to CTS.
Tumors of the tendon sheaths, as well as wrist cysts can also be responsible for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Women’s Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Three times more women than men suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In part, this is due to women naturally having smaller wrists and carpal tunnels to begin with.
However, in addition to occupational factors, physical and hormonal changes in a woman’s body can contribute to the development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, and menopause can all cause or contribute to increasing the volume of the contents of the carpal tunnel, resulting in compression of the median nerve.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Doctor Troy, MI
If you live in the Troy, MI area, and you have hand, pain, numbness, tingling or pain, you may be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. But you do NOT have to live with this – and in fact the condition may become worse if you delay seeking treatment!
And the great news is that conservative (non-surgical) treatment is successful in approximately 70% of mild to moderate cases of Carpal Tunnel syndrome when implemented early, according to research published in peer-reviewed orthopedic journals. So do not delay.
Contact Dr. Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation today. As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat the effects of conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
