CTS - Causes, Risk factors, and Prognosis

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

•Causes, Risk factors, and Prognosis

•Can be associated with any condition that causes pressure on the median nerve

•Very often work related

•Carpal tunnel is smaller in some people compared to others

•Previous trauma or injury to the wrist that caused swelling

•Occumulation of fat or fluid within carpal tunnel

•Repeated use of hand tools

•Disorders that lead to fluid retention are associated with inflammation

–Amyloidosis, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, etc

•Rheumatoid Arthritis

•Fluid retention during pregnancy

•Older people are at higher risks

•Women are 3 times more likely to develop CTS

•Inherited physical characteristics can make one more susceptible

•Obesity and lack of fitness

•Previous injuries and stress to the wrist

•Diabetes

•Risk Factors

•Specific workers especially those who use hands and wrists repetitively.

–Computer users and typists

–High risk workers

–Musicians

•Prognosis

•CTS can range from minor inconvenience to disabling condition depending on the cause and persistence.

•Majority of CTS cases are mild and resolve by themselves.

•In servere untreated cases, muscles at the base of the thumb may whither and loss of sensation can be permanent.

•~ 1% of patients with CTS develop permanent injury

•Majority recover completely and can avoid reinjury by changing way of and frequency repetitive movements