According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, carpal tunnel syndrome is a common source of hand numbness and pain. Symptoms initially come and go but can become chronic over a period of time. Surgery may be required if conservative treatments do not alleviate symptoms. Knowing the causes of carpal tunnel can possibly help prevent development or worsening of this condition.
Repetitive Use
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway composed of bones and tendons on the palm side of the wrist. The main nerve to the hand, or median nerve, is protected by the carpal tunnel as it passes through it. MayoClinic.com states that repetitive use of the hands and wrist can cause the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Specifically, repetitive flexing and extending of the tendon in the hands and wrist can increase the risk of carpal tunnel. This occurs because it causes inflammation in the tendons that create the carpal tunnel. Inflammation leads to swelling, which compresses the median nerve and causes carpal tunnel symptoms. Thus, a patient should prevent movements that involve extensive bending or extending of the wrist. Furthermore, a patient may wear a wrist splint at night to prevent excessive bending of the wrist during sleep.
Narrow Tunnel
MayoClinic.com states that a patient may be born with a carpal tunnel that is more narrow than average. A narrow carpal tunnel will increase the pressure on the median nerve and cause carpal tunnel symptoms in a patient. In this case, surgery may be necessary because lifestyle changes cannot widen the carpal tunnel. A patient should schedule an appointment with his doctor to have his wrist assessed. A doctor will likely take X-rays or order an MRI to determine the possibility of surgical widening of the carpal tunnel.
Other Medical Conditions
According to the AAOS, other medical conditions may cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Specifically, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid gland problems increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, MayoClinic.com adds that menopause, fluid retention in pregnancy or deposits of abnormal protein by cells in the bone marrow may also contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. These medical conditions contribute to swelling of the tendons in the wrist, and thus increase pressure on the median nerve. Treating carpal tunnel in these conditions can be difficult because the underlying medical condition must first be treated.
