Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Cause details for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Although there are many reasons for developing this swelling of the tendon, it can result from repetitive and forceful movements of the wrist during work and leisure activities. Research by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) indicates that job tasks involving highly repetitive manual acts, or necessitating wrist bending or other stressful wrist postures, are connected with incidents of CTS or related problems. Moreover, it is apparent that this hazard is not confined to a single industry or job but occurs in many occupations, especially those in the manufacturing sector. Jobs involving cutting, small parts assembly, finishing, sewing, and cleaning seem predominantly associated with the syndrome. The factor common in these jobs is the repetitive use of small hand tools. CTS can also be due to trauma from repetitive work such as that of supermarket checkers, checkers in other types of stores, assembly line workers, meat packers, typists, word-processors, accountants, and writers. ¹

Underlying condition causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: The list of possible underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) mentioned in various sources as possible causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome includes:

• Repetitive motions
• Work-related repetition
• Certain occupations - e.g. small hand tools, sewing, computers, cutting, checkouts, assembly lines, typing, accountants, writers, etc.
• Wrist inflammations
• Wrist injury
• Wrist fracture
• Wrist trauma
• Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Acromegaly
• Myxedema
• Pregnancy
• Idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome
• Amyloidosis
• Chronic kidney failure - may cause amyloidosis
• Fluid retention
• Oral contraceptives
• Obesity
• Diabetes

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as a complication: Other conditions that might have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as a complication might be potential underlying causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The list of conditions listing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as a complication in our database includes:

• Acromegaly
• Dialysis-related amyloidosis
• Pinched Nerve
• Sjogren's Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as a symptom: Conditions listing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The list of conditions listing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as a symptom in our database includes:

• Myxedema

Related information for causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Further relevant information on causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may be found in the risk factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and underlying causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: NWHIC

Last revision: May 26, 2003

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