The following blog post is the second in a series designed to provide some basic background information on carpal tunnel syndrome, a serious repetitive stress injury that afflicts millions of workers throughout the United States each year.

(Please see "A Closer Look at Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - I" for more background information)

What are some of the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome?

As previously mentioned, carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve.

This pressure can be traced to any of the following:

• Repetitive motion: If you have a job that requires repeated flexing and extending of your wrists and/or hands in a relatively forceful manner without sufficient rest, you may be exerting pressure on your median nerve. Employees that type extensively or use heavy tools frequently experience carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Underlying health conditions: Physicians have linked carpal tunnel syndrome to a variety of health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid disorders and even menopause.
• Physical characteristics: It may just be that your carpal tunnel (which houses the median nerve) is smaller than most.
• Wrist injuries: If you suffer a serious wrist injury, it may begin to swell and place an abnormal amount of pressure on the median nerve.
 
If you have questions or concerns about carpal tunnel syndrome, it is imperative that you speak with an experienced medical professional.

Stay tuned for the next few posts where we will examine the risk factors and treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome...

Related Resources:
  
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Mayo Clinic)