What Causes Carpal Tunnel Pain?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition brought on by increased pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. In effect, it is a pinched nerve at the wrist. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and pain in the arm, hand, and fingers. There is a space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel where the median nerve and nine tendons pass from the forearm into the hand (see Figure 1). Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when pressure builds up from swelling in this tunnel and puts pressure on the nerve. When the pressure from the swelling becomes great enough to disturb the way the nerve works, numbness, tingling, and pain may be felt in the hand and fingers.

Things that put you at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Health problems or illnesses that can cause arm pain or swelling in the joints and soft tissues in the arm, or reduce the blood flow to the hands. These include obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, lupus,hypothyroidism, and multiple sclerosis.
• Being female. Women between the ages of 40 and 60 have the highest risk. Pregnant women near the end of their pregnancies often have short-term symptoms. Women taking birth control pills, going through menopause, or taking estrogen are also thought to be at risk.
• Hand and wrist movements and activities that require repeated motions, especially in awkward positions.
• Smoking. It may contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome by affecting the blood flow to the median nerve.
• Broken wrist bones, dislocated bones, new bone growth from healing bones, or bone spurs. These can take up space in the carpal tunnel and put more pressure on the median nerve.
• Tumors and other growths (such as ganglions). These uncommon causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are usually benign.
• Normal wear and tear of the tissues in the hand and wrist caused by aging.

If you find yourself at risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or in extreme wrist pain, call Neuropax Clinic today at 314-434-7784 or visit www.neuropaxclinic.com for more information.  Don’t live with the pain.  Fix your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome today.