Overview:

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can range from a minor inconvenience to a disabling condition, depending on its cause and persistence and the individual characteristics of the patient. It is considered an inflammatory disorder caused by repetitive stress, physical injury, or a medical condition.

Risk Factors:

• CTS is associated with a family history of the disorder.
• Hypothyroidism and diabetes are diseases associated with an increased risk of CTS. The treatments for such diseases may offer some relief for CTS symptoms.
• According to the National Institutes of Health, women are three times more likely than men to experience carpal tunnel syndrome.

New Statistics:

According to a 2006 report of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall number of work-related CTS cases decreased by 21%.

Prevention:

• Because many factors can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, there is no single mode of prevention.
• Hand and wrist exercises may help reduce the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Isometric and stretching exercises can strengthen the muscles in the wrists and hands, as well as the neck and shoulders, improving blood flow to these areas.

Treatment:

Every year about 500,000 people in the US have surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. In general, patients with the following characteristics might benefit from surgery:

• Symptoms lasting 10 months or longer
• Continual numbness
• Muscles in the base of the palm have begun to shrink
• Symptoms occur within 30 seconds during a Phalen's test
• Above 50 years of age