What conditions are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)?

From the Guidelines

Carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with conditions such as repetitive hand movements, prolonged wrist flexion, pregnancy, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and obesity, as well as glycogen storage disease type III, which can cause median nerve damage due to compression within the carpal tunnel 1.

Conditions Associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The following conditions are associated with an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome:

• Repetitive hand movements
• Prolonged wrist flexion
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Hypothyroidism
• Obesity
• Glycogen storage disease type III, which can cause median nerve damage due to compression within the carpal tunnel 1
• Unexplained bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, which may be indicative of an underlying systemic condition 1

Diagnostic Considerations

When diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome, clinical evaluation combined with electrophysiologic studies is usually sufficient, and further imaging is not typically needed 1. However, in some cases, MRI or ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions 1.

Key Takeaways

• Carpal tunnel syndrome is a complex condition with multiple associated factors
• A thorough clinical evaluation and electrophysiologic studies are usually sufficient for diagnosis
• Imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound may be used in select cases to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions 1

From the Research

Conditions Associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

• CTS is associated with various conditions, including:
  • Obesity 2, 3
  • Pregnancy 2, 4
  • Genetic heredity 2
  • Rheumatoid inflammation 2
  • Diabetes, which can cause nerve fragility 4
  • Hypothyroidism, which can cause edema 4
  • Amyloidosis, which can cause deposits in the carpal tunnel 4
  • Mucopolysaccharidoses, which can cause deposits in the carpal tunnel 4
• Other conditions may also provide similar symptoms to CTS, requiring vigorous diagnosis to assert the medical condition of the patients 2
• CTS can be secondary to situations or conditions that exaggerate the ordinary pathophysiology or cause deposits in the channel 4

Risk Factors for CTS

• Risk factors for CTS include:
  • Monotonous wrist activity 2
  • Exposure to high pressure, high force, repetitive work, and vibrating tools 3
  • Idiopathic CTS, which is the most typical method of diagnosis for patients suffering from these symptoms 2

Diagnosis and Treatment of CTS

• The diagnosis of CTS is conducted through medical assessments and electrophysiological testing 2, 3, 4
• Treatment options for CTS include:
  • Non-surgical treatments, such as wrist splinting, change of working position, medications, and the use of alternative non-vibrating equipment at work 2, 3
  • Surgical methods, including open release and endoscopic surgeries 2, 3, 4