Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Causes

(Page 3)

Other Diseases. Other medical conditions may cause or increase susceptibility to CTS:

• Down syndrome
• Amyloidosis (a progressive disorder of the connective tissues)
• Acromegaly (a disease that leads to abnormally large hands and feet due to excessive growth hormone)
• Tumor on the median nerve (removing the tumor often successfully treats CTS in these cases)

Medications. According to case reports, many other medications may increase the risk for temporary CTS. They include certain medications that affect the immune system (such as interleukin-2) and anticlotting drugs (such as warfarin). The evidence is conflicting as to whether corticosteroids and hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of CTS. More research is needed before a cause-and-effect association can be established.

---

---

Injuries

Bone dislocations and fractures can narrow the carpal tunnel and put pressure on the median nerve.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations in women play a role in CTS. Such fluctuations may lead to fluid retention and other changes that cause swelling in the body. Fluid retention is one reason that CTS may develop during pregnancy.

Genetic Factors

CTS is associated with a family history of the disorder. Certain physical characteristics or medical conditions that are associated with CTS also run in families. Carpal tunnel syndrome in young people most likely has a genetic component.

Other genetic factors that may contribute to this disorder include abnormalities in certain genes that regulate myelin, a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers.

Review Date: 02/17/2011
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).