Neurology Diagnostics

Posts Tagged ‘Causes Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome’

What are the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Often, carpal tunnel syndrome is the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a nerve problem itself. The disorder is most probably due to a congenital predisposition – the carpal tunnel is simply smaller in some people than others.

Other factors contributing to the diagnosis include trauma or injury to the wrist that cause swelling, such as a sprain or a fracture, an overactive pituitary gland, hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), rheumatoid arthritis, mechanical problems in the joint of the wrist, work stress, repeated use of vibrating hand tools, fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause, or the development of a cyst or a tumor in the carpal tunnel. In some cases it is impossible to determine the causes.

There are few clinical data to prove whether repetitive and forced to perform movements with the hand and wrist in work or leisure activities can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Repetitive movements are performed in the normal course of work or other daily activities can lead to repetitive motion disorders such as bursitis (inflammation of a bursa, a small bag that facilitates the movement of muscles and tendons on the bone) and tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons). The writer’s cramp – a condition caused by a lack motor coordination, pain and pressure in the fingers, wrist or forearm due to repetitive activity – is not a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome.