Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Causes

Causes

Biological Causes. Carpal tunnel syndrome is considered an inflammatory disorder caused by repetitive stress, physical injury, or a medical condition. It is often very difficult, however, to determine the precise cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. No tests are available to identify a specific cause. Except in patients with certain underlying diseases, the biological mechanisms leading to carpal tunnel syndrome are unknown.

Working Conditions versus Medical Problems. Although some studies suggest that more than half of CTS cases are associated with workplace factors, there is no strong evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship. In fact, most studies now strongly suggest that carpal tunnel syndrome is primarily associated with medical or physical conditions such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis.

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CTS also tends to occur in people with certain genetic or environmental risk factors. These risk factors include obesity, smoking, alcohol abuse, or significant mental stress. CTS sometimes runs in families, which suggests that it has some type of genetic origin. When people who are susceptible to CTS are subjected to repetitive hand or wrist work, the risk for CTS can become significant. CTS, then, is very likely to be due to a combination of factors that lead to nerve damage in the hand.

Work-Related Issues and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

High Force and Vibration. Even though medical and physical conditions may be the initial culprits leading to CTS, certain working conditions may be linked to nerve damage. Work that involves high force or vibration is particularly hazardous, as is repetitive hand and wrist work in cold temperatures.

In addition to CTS, other disorders of the hand and wrist result from these work-related movements. They include the following:

• Hand-arm vibration syndrome -- tingling and numbness that persist even after the vibration stops
• Cumulative trauma (repetitive stress) disorder
• Overuse syndromes
• Chronic upper limb pain syndrome