Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that occurs when the median nerve (one of the major nerves in the hand) gets squeezed or irritated due to the narrowing of the carpal tunnel space.
CTS has often been classified as a repetitive stress injury and ascribed to excessive computer use, hammering, and other repetitive movements, but experts have refuted this theory, stating that it doesn’t have any solid scientific underpinning.
So, if you’re plagued by burning pain, pins-and-needles sensation, numbness, and weakness in your hand that are radiating up your arm, don’t be too quick to conclude that your job or everyday movements are to blame.
More often than not, CTS has no single cause and can develop due to a combination of risk factors. In this article, we are going to delve into the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome, most of which you may not quite expect.
Excess Weight
Studies show that obesity can make you susceptible to developing carpal tunnel syndrome by as much as 100 percent. Why this is the case is not fully understood. However, some experts have established a link between obesity and chronic systemic inflammation, which can lead to the development of medical conditions that can cause fluid buildup in the tissues surrounding the carpal tunnel.
Sex
Compared to men, women are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. This is, in large part, due to the anatomical differences between the two sexes, with women having relatively narrower carpal tunnel area.
There are also risk factors that are unique to women: the increase in estrogen levels during pregnancy and menopause can cause fluid retention and, consequently, edema. Edema can cause the tissues that surround the wrists to swell, thereby putting pressure on the median nerve.
Underactive Thyroid Gland (Hypothyroidism)
Hypothyroidism is another one of the contributing factors to CTS. The condition can slow down certain bodily processes, such as circulation and kidney function, resulting in fluid retention. As mentioned above, fluid retention causes edema, which consequently puts pressure on your median nerve.
Other Medical Conditions
Kidney failure, diabetes, and lymphedema are all potential causes of fluid retention, and thus, may increase your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Lutherville, MD
Regardless of what might be contributing to your symptoms, it pays to seek medical intervention for carpal tunnel syndrome, as leaving it untreated could lead to potentially serious complications.
For effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, visit us at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder. Our board-certified hand surgeons constantly strive to provide the highest quality of medical care for the entire range of upper extremity conditions.
We often start with nonoperative treatment modalities, such as medications, splinting, and cortisone shots. However, if your symptoms are not alleviated after we’ve fully explored all conservative interventions, we will likely recommend surgery to completely address the problem. Our hand surgeons have performed numerous successful carpal tunnel release procedures, so you can rest assured that you’re in very good hands!
Give our friendly staff a call today at (410) 296-6232, or you can use this form to request an appointment with one of our hand surgeons.
