Some chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, increase the risk of nerve damage, including damage to the median nerve. Women who have carpal tunnel syndrome may also have smaller carpal tunnels than women who don't have the condition. This may be because the carpal tunnel area is relatively smaller in women than in men. Carpal tunnel syndrome is generally more common in women. People who have smaller carpal tunnels may be more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome. 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. Although they may not directly cause carpal tunnel syndrome, they may increase the risk of irritation or damage to the median nerve. Risk factorsĪ number of factors have been associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. It may be that a combination of risk factors contributes to the development of the condition. Many times, there is no single cause of 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. It also provides nerve signals to move the muscles around the base of the thumb (motor function).Īnything that squeezes or irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. It provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb and fingers, except the little finger.

The median nerve runs from the forearm through a passageway in the wrist (carpal tunnel) to the hand. CausesĬarpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. Permanent nerve and muscle damage can occur without treatment. See your health care provider if you have signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome that interfere with your normal activities and sleep patterns. 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. You may experience weakness in the hand and drop objects. The numb feeling may become constant over time. Many people 'shake out' their hands to try to relieve their symptoms. These symptoms often occur while holding a steering wheel, phone or newspaper, or may wake you from sleep. The sensation may travel from the wrist up the arm. You might feel a sensation like an electric shock in these fingers. Usually the thumb and index, middle or ring fingers are affected, but not the little finger. You may notice tingling and numbness in the fingers or hand.

SymptomsĬarpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually start gradually and include: Proper treatment usually relieves the tingling and numbness and restores wrist and hand function. The anatomy of the wrist, health problems and possibly repetitive hand motions can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. When the median nerve is compressed, symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of the hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve.

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms