Carpal tunnel syndrome
Description
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Alternative Names
Repetitive stress injuries
Highlights
Overview
Several medical conditions can increase the risk for, or even cause, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, obesity, and pregnancy are the main conditions associated with CTS. Many of the underlying diseases that contribute to the development of CTS are also associated with more severe forms of CTS.
Most workers who use their hands and wrists repetitively are at risk for CTS. This is especially true if they work in cold temperatures and have medical conditions that make them susceptible to CTS.
Being overweight consistently turns up as a risk factor for CTS and may play a direct causal role in CTS.
Treatment News:
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Several physical therapy techniques have been shown to improve hand strength and function in patients with mild-to-moderate CTS.
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Short periods of traction have also been successful in producing long-term relief in patients who have failed other conventional treatments.
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Injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) show promise in treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
Risk Factors:
A Swedish study of neurological diseases found CTS to be the second most commonly occurring nerve, nerve root, and nerve plexus disorder among siblings hospitalized with the same condition. Although the study could not distinguish between genetic and environmental causes, clusters of CTS in families may suggest an inherited predisposition.
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Review Date: 3/14/2007
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Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital
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