What are the causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the Carpal Tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself, (except when caused by diabetes).

The condition may be due to a congenital disposition i.e. the carpal tunnel is simply smaller in some people than in others.

Other contributing factors include:

• Repetitive wrist movements, which may be related to a person’s occupation such as typing, knitting or using small tools. People who use vibrating hand held tools are particularly at risk.
• Trauma or injury to the wrist that causes swelling, especially if the wrist has been broken.
• Diabetes
• Use of the contraceptive pill
• Being very overweight
• Cysts or tumours growing in the carpal tunnel (rare)
• following contributing factors tend to produce symptoms in both wrists equally:
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Over-activity of the pituitary gland where excess growth hormone is produced (acromegaly)
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Fluid retention during pregnancy or the menopause or in kidney failure.

In many cases no cause can be identified.