Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Causes

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve that can be caused by anything that reduces the space for it in the carpal tunnel.

Causes might include anything from bone spurs to the most common cause, which is swelling or thickening of the outermost layer of the tendons (tough tissue that connects muscles in the carpal tunnel).

The exact cause of the swelling usually is not known, but various conditions could play a role, such as:

• repetitive, forceful grasping with the hands
• repetitive bending of the wrist
• hormonal changes
• arthritis
• diabetes
• thyroid imbalance
• broken or dislocated bones in the wrist that cause swelling
• pregnancy

The evidence is not clear on which activities cause the syndrome. Contrary to popularly held belief, no strong scientific evidence links computer use to carpal tunnel syndrome. The evidence is stronger for a connection to heavy and repetitive assembly line work and work involving prolonged, heavy gripping and use of vibrating tools.