Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. Ligaments and bones surround the narrow passageway on the palm of the hand. When the nerve receives pressure, you can feel numbness, tingling and weakness. Repetitive hand motions, previous health problems, and your wrist’s anatomy can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. There are five top risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome.

One

The environment you work in greatly influences the health of your wrist and how the nerves are treated. Whether typing at a computer or stocking shelves, your wrist’s repetitive flexing and prolonged time at an unnatural angle can irritate the nerves. When the nerves in the wrist get irritated, it can cause tingling, weakness and numbness.

Two

Sometimes your risk for carpal tunnel syndrome is in your DNA. The median nerve, which runs the length of your arm, needs enough room to function properly. If you have smaller bones or a small frame, the canal for your nerve may be narrow, leading to unwanted irritation and damage.

Three

Have you ever sustained an injury to your wrist, such as a fracture? Previous injuries can increase your risk for carpal tunnel. Injuries can cause deformities to your wrist and can also cause the small bones to change. If these injuries happen in your youth before you are fully grown, the tunnel may grow even narrower. These narrow cavities for nerves can cause an increased pressure rate, leading to damage.

Symptoms may include any of the following: 

• Clumsiness of the hand when gripping objects
• Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands
• Numbness or tingling of the palm of the hand
• Pain that extends to the elbow
• Pain in the wrist or hand in one or both hands
• Problems with fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands
• Wasting away of the muscle under the thumb (in advanced or long-term cases)
• Weak grip or difficulty carrying bags (a common complaint)
• Weakness in one or both hands

Four

Pre-existing health conditions such as obesity, thyroid disorders and kidney failure can increase your chance of developing this syndrome. Chronic conditions that impact your nerve health, such as diabetes, can cause widespread inflammation. This inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to an irritated median nerve. Your physician can help you understand your situation and will help you find the right treatment plan.

Other factors that may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Alcohol use
• Bone fractures and arthritis of the wrist
• Cyst or tumor that grows in the wrist
• Infections
• Obesity
• If your body keeps extra fluids during pregnancy or menopause
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Diseases that have abnormal deposits of protein in the body (amyloidosis)

Five

Our bodies retain fluids such as water during various activities and stages of life. Things from plane flights, hormone changes and too much sodium can all take a toll. The retention of fluids increases the pressure on the tissues and nerves of your wrist and hands. If you know you are prone to fluid retention, you are more likely to experience the various side effects of stress on the median nerve.

There is no way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome completely, but there are a few things you can do in your daily routine to delay the onset of it. Try to pay attention to how you hold objects or type on your keyboard. Constant tension in your wrist can lead to significant nerve irritation. Treatment plans depend on your physician. To consult a doctor about your carpal tunnel symptoms, you will want to try a practice like Newman Regional Medical Health Partners, specializing in orthopedics.

For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Emporia, KS, Request an Appointment Here.