Most of the activities we engage in all day every day require the use of our hands and wrists. However, repetitive motions and improper technique of the hands and arms can cause injuries that affect the nerves, especially the median nerve that runs within the carpal tunnel through the wrist.
If you feel numbness, tingling, and weakness in your fingers, hand, and forearm, you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. It is important to have this condition diagnosed and treated before it gets worse, because it can otherwise result in permanent disability of the hand.
Who Is Most Likely to Get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common health conditions affecting the hand and wrist. Certain types of people are more at risk than others for developing carpal tunnel, including the following:
Women
Women are more likely than men to develop this condition. One of the reasons for this risk is that women generally have smaller carpal tunnels than men do, so there is more of a chance that the tunnel will put pressure on the median nerve. Pregnant and menopausal women are also at a higher risk due to changes in body fluid increasing pressure within the carpal tunnel.
Older Adults
Research shows that the condition is more common in patients over 55 years old. Additionally, severe carpal tunnel syndrome is prevalent among those who are over 65. This is likely due to natural changes as we get older.
Patients with Diabetes
People who have diabetes are at an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome because they often suffer from nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy. This condition causes numbness, tingling, extreme sensitivity, and muscle weakness in the body’s affected areas, which can include the hand and wrist.
Arthritis Patients
One of the possible effects of arthritis is deformation of the small bones in the wrist. Consequently, it may alter the space within the carpal tunnel, thereby causing pressure on the median nerve.
Workers Exposed to Certain Occupational Factors
The risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome is higher for workers who constantly use their fine motor skills, including painters, hairdressers, mechanics, and those who type extensively on a computer keyboard or use a mouse. Certain movements can cause compression on the median nerve in the wrist, so it is important for workers to take breaks and stretch their arms.
Persons with Thyroid Conditions
Research shows a high prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among hypothyroidism patients. Thyroid disorders cause swelling of the synovial membranes around the carpal tunnel.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Maryland
The upper-extremity orthopedic specialists here at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder can diagnose your condition and provide nonsurgical and/or surgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome. Our highly experienced orthopedic surgeons treat sports injuries, work-related injuries, arthritis, and beyond.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our caring staff today by calling us at (410) 296-6232 or by completing our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you get back to doing the activities you love!
