Reviewed by Dr. Clement J. Cheng
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a painful and potentially debilitating disorder caused by peripheral nerve compression.
There are eight wrist bones, or carpals, which form a tunnel-like structure in the wrist. The tendons responsible for finger movement run through this pathway, along with the median nerve, which provides sensation to the thumb, index and middle fingers, and the thumb side of the ring finger. Through repetitive wrist motion or injury, the protective sheaths surrounding the tendons, called synovium, can become inflamed. When the synovium swell, it pushes against the median nerve, causing the pain and numbness associated with CTS.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by repetitive wrist motion such as typing on a keyboard, playing a musical instrument, or sewing. Injuries caused by repetitive motion are known as Cumulative Trauma Disorders. Each year, Cumulative Trauma Disorders are responsible for 60 percent of all occupational illness. Among those conditions, CTS is the most frequently reported.
Repetitive motion that involves bending and folding the wrist, or grasping with the hands most often causes CTS. Activities that frequently cause CTS include typing, sewing, playing a musical instrument, painting, writing, using tools, assembly-line work, or playing a sport. Fracture or dislocation of a bone in the wrist or lower arm causes a small percentage of CTS.
CTS is commonly associated with the fluid retention caused by PMS, pregnancy and menopause. Some additional conditions associated with CTS are arthritis, thyroid gland imbalance, diabetes, obesity and renal failure.
