En Español (Spanish Version)

by Polsdorfer R

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Anything that causes irritation, inflammation, fluid retention, or an abnormal growth in or around the carpal tunnel can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, including:
  • Repetitive movements of the hands, wrists, or fingers—especially overactive use of a computer keyboard, certain musical instruments, or hand tools
  • Use of vibrating equipment or tools
  • A narrow carpal tunnel (due to heredity or other causes)
  • Wrist injury:
    • Burns
    • Broken bones
    • Compression or crush injuries
  • Arthritis leading to swelling within the carpal tunnel
  • Diabetes
  • Raynaud's disease , which impairs blood flow in the hands
  • Water retention due to:
  • Hormone-related conditions, such as:
  • Medications, such as:
    • Birth control pills
    • Cortisone pills or shots
    • Some high blood pressure drugs
  • Tumors and cysts in the carpal tunnel

References

Carpal tunnel syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed . Updated October 8, 2012. Accessed October 23 ,2012.

Katz RT. Carpal tunnel syndrome: a practical review. Am Fam Physician . 1994;49:1371-1379, 1385-1386.

Patijn J, Vallejo R, Janssen M, et al. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Pain Pract . 2011;11(3):297-301.

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1 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome condition

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder of the hand. It is caused by compression of the median nerve. The median nerve gets squeezed inside a narrow passage in the wri...

2 Carpal Tunnel Release procedure

Carpel tunnel release is a surgery where the ligament covering the carpel tunnel is cut open....

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15 Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome condition indepth
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17 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome condition

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) refers to a chronic condition that affects the nerves and blood vessels of one or more limbs. Its features include unpleasant burnin...

18 Carpal Tunnel Injection procedure

A carpal tunnel injection is a corticosteroid injection into the carpel tunnel area of the wrist....