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What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist, causing pain, numbness, and tingling. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, becomes compressed. Understanding the causes of CTS can help individuals take preventive measures and seek timely treatment.
- Repetitive hand movements.
- Wrist positioning & Poor ergonomics.
- Medical conditions.
- Hormonal changes & pregnancy.
- Wrist injuries & trauma.
- Genetic factors.
- Occupational & Lifestyle factors.
- Other potential causes.
1. Repetitive hand movements
Continuous hand and wrist movements—such as prolonged typing, assembly line work, or playing musical instruments—can cause swelling and pressure on the median nerve. Over time, this leads to carpal tunnel symptoms, including wrist pain and weakness.
2. Wrist positioning & Poor ergonomics
Incorrect wrist posture while working on a computer, using tools, or even sleeping with bent wrists can increase nerve compression. Poor workplace ergonomics—such as an incorrect keyboard height or mouse placement—also contribute to wrist nerve compression treatment becoming necessary.
3. Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions increase the risk of hand pain causes related to CTS, including:
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves.
- Hypothyroidism: Fluid retention can cause swelling in the wrist.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Inflammation can narrow the carpal tunnel.
- Obesity: Extra weight increases pressure on wrist structures.
4. Hormonal changes & pregnancy
Hormonal fluctuations—especially during pregnancy and menopause—cause fluid retention and swelling, leading to median nerve compression. This results in temporary CTS symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the fingers.
5. Wrist injuries & trauma
Fractures, sprains, or direct wrist injuries can lead to nerve compression. Past untreated wrist injuries can contribute to chronic hand pain and numbness over time.
6. Genetic factors
Some people are genetically predisposed to CTS due to a naturally smaller carpal tunnel. If you have a family history of wrist nerve compression, you may be at a higher risk.
7. Occupational & Lifestyle factors
Jobs and activities that involve forceful hand movements, vibration (such as using power tools), or prolonged wrist flexion can put extra strain on the carpal tunnel. Smoking can also worsen symptoms by reducing blood flow to the nerves.
8. Other potential causes
Additional factors that may contribute to CTS include:
- Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus can lead to inflammation of the wrist joints, increasing pressure on the median nerve.
- Kidney disease & Fluid retention: Chronic kidney disease can cause fluid buildup, leading to wrist swelling and nerve compression.
- Gout: Uric acid crystal deposits in the wrist can narrow the carpal tunnel, leading to nerve compression.
- Amyloidosis: A rare condition where protein deposits build up in tissues, potentially affecting the median nerve.
- Chronic alcohol use: Can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy), which may worsen or mimic CTS symptoms.
- Aging: Natural wear and tear on ligaments and nerves over time can increase CTS risk.
Prevention & Early intervention
To reduce the risk of CTS and wrist pain, consider:
- Maintaining proper wrist posture and workplace ergonomics.
- Taking regular breaks from repetitive tasks.
- Managing underlying health conditions effectively.
- Performing wrist stretches and strengthening exercises.
Conclusion
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a preventable and treatable condition. By understanding its causes and risk factors, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their hand and wrist health.
If you’re experiencing persistent wrist pain, numbness, or tingling, book an appointment at Krisha Hand Hospital for specialized care and effective wrist nerve compression treatment.
Author bio
Dr. Karn Maheshwari is the founder of Krisha Hand Hospital, Ahmedabad, established in 2016. He is the only fnb-qualified hand surgeon across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
With MS and DNB in orthopedics, Dr. Maheshwari specializes in treating a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, sports hand injuries, orthopedic hand surgery, ganglion cysts, mangled hand injuries, congenital hand differences, brachial plexus palsy, cerebral palsy & spastic hand, hand tendinopathy, hand microsurgery, hand swelling, hand transplants, hand reimplantation, rheumatoid hand deformities, and peripheral nerve injuries & compressive neuropathies.
Dr. Maheshwari’s unmatched expertise and patient-centric approach ensure world-class treatment, advanced surgical solutions, and optimal recovery for patients with complex hand and wrist conditions.
FAQs
Early symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
While CTS usually develops gradually, sudden wrist injuries or medical conditions can trigger rapid onset symptoms.
Constant typing, tool use, or gripping actions cause swelling in wrist tendons, compressing the median nerve.
Yes. Assembly line workers, carpenters, hairdressers, and IT professionals have a higher risk due to repetitive hand motions.
Yes, past fractures, sprains, or untreated wrist trauma can cause swelling and nerve compression.
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and menopause cause fluid retention, leading to wrist swelling and nerve pressure.
Yes, individuals with genetically smaller carpal tunnels may be more prone to CTS symptoms.
Yes, improper wrist positioning and poor ergonomics increase stress on the wrist, leading to nerve compression over time.
Yes, smoking reduces blood flow to nerves, making them more vulnerable to damage and compression.
If you experience persistent pain, weakness, or numbness that affects daily activities, consult a specialist for an early diagnosis and carpal tunnel treatment.
