Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
đ¨Emergency? If you have severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, or think it's an emergency, call 000 immediately.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, tingling, and pain in your hand and fingers. It happens when pressure builds up on the nerve in your wrist. Learn about symptoms, treatments, and when surgery might help.
đWhat is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, tingling, and pain in your hand and fingers. It happens when pressure builds up on the nerve in your wrist. Learn about symptoms, treatments, and when surgery might help.
đŦWhat Causes It?
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements (typing, assembly work, using tools)
- Prolonged wrist flexion or extension
- Pregnancy (hormonal changes cause fluid retention)
- Wrist fracture or injury causing swelling
- Rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory conditions
- Thyroid problems or diabetes
- Natural narrowing of the carpal tunnel (some people born with smaller tunnel)
- Tumors or growths in the carpal tunnel (rare)
â ī¸Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk if:
- Female gender (3 times more common in women)
- Age 40-60 years
- Pregnancy or menopause
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Jobs requiring repetitive wrist movements
- Family history of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Wrist anatomy (smaller carpal tunnel)
đĄī¸Prevention
- âTake regular breaks from repetitive hand activities (5 minutes every hour)
- âKeep wrists in neutral position when typing or using tools
- âUse ergonomic keyboard and mouse
- âAvoid sleeping with wrists bent
- âMaintain healthy weight
- âManage diabetes and thyroid conditions if present
- âStretch hands and wrists regularly throughout the day
- âUse power tools with reduced vibration when possible
- âRotate tasks at work to avoid prolonged repetitive movements