Carpal Tunnel Causes

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve that extends from your forearm into the palm of your hand, and fingers, causing tingling, numbness, and sharp pain in your wrist, hand, and sometimes forearm.

The symptoms can be manageable at first but will worsen over time if you ignore them, don’t take timely preventative measures, and don’t get proper treatment.

Many people believe that repetitive motions like typing are the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome however, there are many studies that say this is a cause.

Who Gets Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The factors that affect who develops carpal tunnel syndrome are largely genetic.

You’re born with a predisposition to it, due to swelling of your flexor tendons, and you can experience symptoms at any point in time from when you’re a teenager to a senior citizen.

Women are at least three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is most common in perimenopausal or pregnant women.

Medical conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism are known to be associated with developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Injury to the hand or wrist, genetics, and medical conditions can lead to swollen tendons that reduces the space needed within the carpal tunnel for proper nerve function.

Sometimes no cause can be determined however, these are some factors known to lead to this condition:

Congenital Predisposition to swollen tendons in the hand and wrist
Swelling from Sprains and Fractures
Overactive Pituitary Gland
Hypothyroidism
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Diabetes
Use of Heavy Duty Vibrating and Impact Tools e.g. Butchers and Jack Hammer Operators
Mechanical Wrist Joint Problems
Hormonal Changes (pregnancy, menopause)
Cyst or Tumor in Carpal Tunnel

You are also at high risk for carpal tunnel syndrome if you suffer from diabetes and metabolic disorders, or inflammatory arthritis.

Where Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Affect Me?

Usually adults are affected and most often the dominant hand is the first to experience symptoms, but not necessarily.

A significant minority of patients experience it on their non-dominant hand first. The majority of patients will develop it in both hands.

Carpal Tunnel Causes Articles

Learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome causes with these educational articles from New York City hand and wrist surgeons Dr. Mark E. Pruzansky and Dr. Jason S. Pruzansky:

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HandSport Surgery Institute is experienced in successfully diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you are experiencing hand and wrist pain, schedule an appointment with New York City’s leading hand and wrist surgeons Dr. Mark E. Pruzansky, MD and Dr. Jason Pruzansky by calling 212-249-8700 or, click here to request an appointment.