Some common causes are injuries to the wrist such as strain, sprain or fracture; rheumatoid arthritis; an over-active pituitary gland or an under-active thyroid gland; fluid retention, especially in pregnancy; constant use of vibrating machinery or tools, or a possible cyst or tumour situated within the Tunnel.

It is now thought unlikely that strong repetitive twisting or turning movements of the hand and wrist, will cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, even if this continues over a period of time.

'Pins and needles'

The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome usually start with a feeling of slight 'pins and needles' in the affected fingers and thumb. Some sufferers describe this as itching or tingling, with some numbness in the palm of the hand and in the thumb and first two fingers. This seems to occur most frequently during the night when the wrists are relaxed and slightly curled during sleep. The only solution to the sufferer seems to be to sleep with the hands hanging down out of bed!

Gradually these symptoms increase in frequency and also appear during the day. A sudden pain like an electric shock might shoot up the arm from time to time. The use of the hand decreases bit by bit so that delicate tasks such as sewing, picking up small objects or fastening buttons become impossible.

The affected hand feels over-large, clumsy and useless. The patient avoids using it, particularly as the strength of the grip decreases and objects cannot be safely picked up. Holding a phone, turning the pages of a book and even driving become difficult tasks.

Eventually the hand becomes so numb that it is difficult to distinguish between hot and cold objects - a dangerous situation! Unless the condition is treated, wasting of the muscle at the base of the thumb might also occur.

Adults are mostly affected

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome generally occurs only in adults, and we are more likely to suffer from it as we grow older. The child population is not, however totally free of it.

Approximately three-quarters of those affected are women. It often occurs during pregnancy and vanishes after delivery of the baby. In all sufferers, however it seems that the dominant hand is the first and most severely affected.

In some cases both hands are affected simultaneously. In others, just as one hand is cured the other becomes affected.

Diabetics and those suffering from conditions which affect the nerves, are more likely to experience Carpal Tunnel Syndrome than the general population. It occurs across a wide spectrum of the population, across all social groups and among all types of workers.

Thus it is difficult to ascribe a single cause to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis >>