Print OverviewCarpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of the hand. When the median nerve is compressed, symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm. The anatomy of the wrist, health problems and possibly repetitive hand motions can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Proper treatment usually relieves the tingling and numbness and restores wrist and hand function.Products & ServicesBook: Mayo Clinic Book of Home RemediesBook: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th EditionNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic SymptomsCarpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually start gradually and include: Tingling or numbness. You may notice tingling and numbness in the fingers or hand. Usually the thumb and index, middle or ring fingers are affected, but not the little finger. You might feel a sensation like an electric shock in these fingers. The sensation may travel from the wrist up the arm. These symptoms often occur while holding a steering wheel, phone or newspaper, or may wake you from sleep. Many people "shake out" their hands to try to relieve their symptoms. The numb feeling may become constant over time. Weakness. You may experience weakness in the hand and drop objects. This may be due to the numbness in the hand or weakness of the thumb's pinching muscles, which are also controlled by the median nerve. When to see a doctorSee your health care provider if you have signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome that interfere with your normal activities and sleep patterns. Permanent nerve and muscle damage can occur without treatment. Request an appointment There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. Email ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry CausesCarpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve runs from the forearm through a passageway in the wrist (carpal tunnel) to the hand. It provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb and fingers, except the little finger. It also provides nerve signals to move the muscles around the base of the thumb (motor function). Anything that squeezes or irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. A wrist fracture can narrow the carpal tunnel and irritate the nerve, as can the swelling and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Many times, there is no single cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. It may be that a combination of risk factors contributes to the development of the condition. Risk factorsA number of factors have been associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Although they may not directly cause carpal tunnel syndrome, they may increase the risk of irritation or damage to the median nerve. These include: Anatomic factors. A wrist fracture or dislocation, or arthritis that deforms the small bones in the wrist, can alter the space within the carpal tunnel and put pressure on the median nerve. People who have smaller carpal tunnels may be more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome. Sex. Carpal tunnel syndrome is generally more common in women. This may be because the carpal tunnel area is relatively smaller in women than in men. Women who have carpal tunnel syndrome may also have smaller carpal tunnels than women who don't have the condition. Nerve-damaging conditions. Some chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, increase the risk of nerve damage, including damage to the median nerve. Inflammatory conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions that have an inflammatory component can affect the lining around the tendons in the wrist and put pressure on the median nerve. Medications. Some studies have shown a link between carpal tunnel syndrome and the use of anastrozole (Arimidex), a drug used to treat breast cancer. Obesity. Being obese is a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome. Body fluid changes. Fluid retention may increase the pressure within the carpal tunnel, irritating the median nerve. This is common during pregnancy and menopause. Carpal tunnel syndrome associated with pregnancy generally gets better on its own after pregnancy. Other medical conditions. Certain conditions, such as menopause, thyroid disorders, kidney failure and lymphedema, may increase the chances of carpal tunnel syndrome. Workplace factors. Working with vibrating tools or on an assembly line that requires prolonged or repetitive flexing of the wrist may create harmful pressure on the median nerve or worsen existing nerve damage, especially if the work is done in a cold environment. However, the scientific evidence is conflicting and these factors haven't been established as direct causes of carpal tunnel syndrome. Several studies have evaluated whether there is an association between computer use and carpal tunnel syndrome. Some evidence suggests that it is mouse use, and not the use of a keyboard, that may be the problem. However, there has not been enough quality and consistent evidence to support extensive computer use as a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome, although it may cause a different form of hand pain. PreventionThere are no proven strategies to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, but you can minimize stress on the hands and wrists with these methods: Reduce your force and relax your grip. If your work involves a cash register or keyboard, for instance, hit the keys softly. For prolonged handwriting, use a big pen with an oversized, soft grip adapter and free-flowing ink. Take short, frequent breaks. Gently stretch and bend hands and wrists periodically. Alternate tasks when possible. This is especially important if you use equipment that vibrates or that requires you to exert a great amount of force. Even a few minutes each hour can make a difference. Watch your form. Avoid bending your wrist all the way up or down. A relaxed middle position is best. Keep your keyboard at elbow height or slightly lower. Improve your posture. Incorrect posture rolls shoulders forward, shortening the neck and shoulder muscles and compressing nerves in the neck. This can affect the wrists, fingers and hands, and can cause neck pain. Change your computer mouse. Make sure that your computer mouse is comfortable and doesn't strain your wrist. Keep your hands warm. You're more likely to develop hand pain and stiffness if you work in a cold environment. If you can't control the temperature at work, put on fingerless gloves that keep the hands and wrists warm. By Mayo Clinic Staff Carpal tunnel syndrome care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Feb. 25, 2022 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet. Accessed Oct. 25, 2021. Carpal tunnel syndrome. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome. Accessed Oct. 25, 2021. Kothari MJ. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 26, 2021. Kothari MJ. Carpal tunnel syndrome: Etiology and epidemiology. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 26, 2021. Chien HS, et al. Aromatase inhibitors and risk of arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome among Taiwanese women with breast cancer: A nationwide claims data analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020; doi:10.3390/jcm9020566. Yung M, et al. Modeling the effect of the 2018 Revised ACGIH Hand Activity Threshold Limit Value (TLV) at reducing risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. 2019; doi:10.1080/15459624.2019.1640366. Amadio PC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Nov. 15, 2021. Kothari MJ. Carpal tunnel syndrome: Treatment and prognosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 26, 2021. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline. https://aaos.org/quality/quality-programs/upper-extremity-programs/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/. Accessed Oct. 26, 2021. Hunter AA, et al. Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 26, 2021. AskMayoExpert. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Mayo Clinic; 2018. Jensen NA. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Sept. 17, 2021. Coenen P, et al. Associations of screen work with neck and upper extremity symptoms: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2019; doi:10.1136/oemed-2018-105553. Related Carpal tunnel anatomy Carpal tunnel exercises: Can they relieve symptoms? Carpal tunnel release Carpal tunnel symptoms: Role of nonsurgical treatment Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery: Immediate and long-term results Carpal Tunnel Tune-Up Show more related content Associated Procedures Electromyography (EMG) X-ray Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, have been ranked among the best Neurology & Neurosurgery hospitals in the nation for 2022-2023 by U.S. News & World Report. Learn more about this top honor Carpal tunnel syndromeSymptoms & causesDiagnosis & treatmentDoctors & departmentsCare at Mayo Clinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – Future Care - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Future CareMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20251915 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Carpal tunnel syndrome
There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. Email ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry