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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and its Causes

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which is also called median neuropathy at the wrist, is a medical condition affecting the wrist. In this condition, the median nerve is compressed at the wrist which leads to pain, paresthesias, and muscle weakness in the hand.

True carpal tunnel syndrome elicits symptoms in the thumb, index, and middle fingers as well as along the median nerve distribution. CTS is more common among women than it is in men. The peak incidence is around age 42, although it can occur at any age.

The majority of cases of carpal tunnel are idiopathic, or without a known cause. Repetitive activities are frequently blamed for the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. The correlation between these actions and development of the syndrome is still unclear.

There is an international debate raging concerning the relationship between CTS, repetitive motion, and work. OSHA has adopted rules and regulations concerning the cumulative trauma disorders. Occupational risk factors of repetitive tasks, force, posture, and vibration have been cited.

In many cases, workers injured at work are entitled to time off and compensation. Many CTS cases are triggered by repetitive grasping and manipulating activities. The exposure can be cumulative. Symptoms are frequently exacerbated by forceful and repetitive use of the hands and wrists in industrial occupations. Carpal tunnel results in billions of dollars of workers compensation claims each year.

Fortunately, CTS is treatable. It frequently requires surgery but it can be treated.

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