Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a widespread problem that leads to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness of the hand and wrist. It happens when the median nerve is under more pressure in a narrow space in the wrist known as the carpal tunnel. Such pressure may interfere with the normal functioning of the nerves and cause pain.
Anyone may experience CTS, though it is quite common among people aged between 30 and 60 years, and women are more prone to develop it than men. The condition usually begins with mild symptoms, such as tingling or discomfort on rare occasions, but with time, it may deteriorate, and daily activities such as typing, writing, and holding a phone may become hard to perform.
What then is it that causes this painful condition? Let's take a look at the key factors behind what causes carpal tunnel syndrome, starting with the most important causes.
Table of contents
- What is the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
- The Main Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Mechanical Trauma
- Elevated Pressure
- Ischemic Damage
- Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Repetitive Hand and Wrist Movements
- Awkward Wrist Positions
- Conditions Leading to Swelling
- Other Causative Factors
- What You Can Do To Minimize Your Chance of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Final thoughts
What is the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
The median nerve is the centre of the carpal tunnel syndrome, and it regulates sensation within the thumb and first three fingers. The median nerve passes along a narrow passage (carpal tunnel) that is composed of ligaments and bone in your wrist. When there is pressure on this nerve due to something, it gives rise to the most significant symptoms of CTS, which are:
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers or hand
- Discomfort in the wrist or fingers (Particularly at night)
- Weakness, making it difficult to grasp objects or perform delicate tasks
CTS usually occurs between 30 and 60 years of age, more often in women, and may affect daily functioning, especially when it involves your dominant hand. The CTS can be caused and exacerbated by repetitive hand movements and inflammation of the tendons. What then is the cause of this pressure on the median nerve? Now, let us look at the core causes.
Identifying the Core Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes (CTS)
Mechanical Trauma
Wrist injury or recurring stress on a daily basis may result in swelling of the carpal tunnel, which puts pressure on the median nerve.
Examples include:
- Heavy lifting: Constant lifting or carrying of heavy items may cause strain on the wrist.
- Falls: Falling onto an outstretched hand may cause wrist trauma, which causes swelling.
- Acute wrist injury: Any forceful injury, such as a sprain or fracture, can result in inflammation.
Mechanical trauma interferes with the regular activity of the wrist and causes swelling of the tissues within the carpal tunnel. This constricts the passageway and causes pressure on the median nerve.
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Elevated Pressure
There are certain conditions that may raise pressure within the carpal tunnel. These include:
- Wrist fractures: Fractures of the bones of the wrist may alter the shape of the carpal tunnel, limiting the space in the tunnel to the nerve.
- Inflammation: Conditions that generate inflammation, such as arthritis, may cause swelling, which narrows the tunnel.
- Poor posture: improper wrist positioning, particularly when typing or using the mouse over a long period of time, may put extra pressure on the nerve.
When the carpal tunnel is narrowed, the median nerve is compressed, which causes pain and weakness in the hand and the wrist.
Ischemic Damage
Interruption in blood circulation may also lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, especially in individuals with diseases such as diabetes or thyroid disorders. The median nerve is more vulnerable to damage when the blood flow is affected. This damage causes nerve compression and inflammation, which causes pain and discomfort.
Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Repetitive Hand and Wrist Movements
Repetitive stress is one of the major causes of CTS. Routine activities, e.g., typing, writing, and tool use, mean that the tendons are constantly in motion, which may cause inflammation. With time, this inflammation may cause the carpal tunnel to become narrower and exert pressure on the median nerve. The everyday risky activities that expose people to risks are:
- Typing: Prolonged activities of keyboard use in a computer can cause inflammation.
- Using a mouse: Long-term use of the computer mouse may cause strain on the wrist.
- Manual labor: Occupations that involve repetitive movements, like assembly-line jobs, may be stressful to the wrists.
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Awkward Wrist Positions
Poor ergonomics can also bring about CTS. When your wrists are in a bad position over a long period of time, e.g., when you type with your wrists bent or when using a mouse, the pressure in the carpal tunnel increases. In order to avoid this, one should make sure that:
- Wrists are in a neutral position: Wrists should be kept straight when typing or when using a mouse.
- Take regular breaks: Make sure to take a break and rest your wrists, particularly when working long hours.
To relieve the burden on your wrists, you can change the arrangement of your workplace and take rests.
Conditions Leading to Swelling
There are a number of health issues that may produce swelling in the wrist that narrows the carpal tunnel and strains the median nerve:
- Arthritis: Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis also lead to inflammation of the joints, including the wrist.
- Wrist fractures: Wrist fractures may interfere with the structure of the carpal tunnel, causing compression.
- Ganglion cysts: The fluid-filled sacs may develop on the wrist and may exert pressure on the median nerve.
Other conditions, such as tendinitis and bursitis, can also lead to CTS, and they are caused by inflammation of the tendons or bursae (the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints). Repeated use of the wrist, such as using musical instruments or typing, may swell the tendons and result in the tightening of the carpal tunnel.
Other Causative Factors
Square Wrist Test
The Square Wrist Test is a prognostic element that works to determine whether a person can develop CTS. The thickness-to-width ratio of your wrist is higher than 0.7, which means you are anatomically predisposed to get CTS. This test does not directly lead to CTS, but it assists the doctor in assessing the risk according to the structure of the wrist.
Toxins Exposure
Some workplaces may subject a person to toxins or chemicals that can harm the nerves over time. These harms can add up to CTS, particularly when the exposure is long-term. People such as factory workers may be more vulnerable.
What You Can Do To Minimize Your Chance of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
You can reduce your risk of having Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by taking reasonable precautions, although you cannot avoid specific causes:
Ergonomics
- Adjust the workstations to place your wrists in a good position.
- Use wrist rests to provide support when typing or using a mouse.
- Take routine breaks to give your wrists a rest.
The second alternative is Carpal Aid, which offers quick relief of carpal tunnel pain, supports the wrist during repetitive action, and also facilitates comfort during day-long use.
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Weight Management
Retaining a healthy weight also decreases the pressure on the wrist, thus reducing the chances of CTS. Being overweight may also lead to higher inflammation, which may exacerbate the symptoms.
Stretching and Exercise
Movements and Stretches of the wrist may make the tendons and muscles supple and minimize pressure on the carpal tunnel. Circulation can also be enhanced by regular stretching, thereby helping to prevent CTS.
Final thoughts
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful disorder that occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is under pressure. Mechanical trauma, high pressure, and ischemic damage are the major causes of CTS. Moreover, it can be developed due to repetitive hand movement, awkward wrist movement, as well as health problems such as tendinitis and arthritis.
By understanding these causes and taking precautionary actions, improving ergonomics, weight control, and exercise, etc., you can minimize your chances of CTS and safeguard your wrist. Continue to take care of your wrists and pay attention to the tasks that can cause you problems with the carpal tunnel.
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