Carpal tunnel syndrome risk factors

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Dheeraj Makkar, M.D.[2] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Joseph Nasr, M.D.[3]

Overview

The most important risk factors for developing carpal tunnel syndrome include: Anatomic factors, age, sex, inflammatory conditions, obesity, alterations in the balance of body fluids, other medical conditions

Risk factors

The most important risk factors for developing carpal tunnel syndrome include:

  • Anatomic factors
    • Wrist fracture
    • Wrist dislocation
    • Wrthritis
    • People with smaller carpal tunnels may be more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Age
    • Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) most commonly affects adults between 40 and 60 years of age, with peak prevalence typically reported in the mid-40s to mid-50s.
    • It is uncommon in children and young adults, except in cases with congenital anomalies, trauma, or systemic conditions (e.g., mucopolysaccharidoses).
    • Prevalence increases with age due to cumulative repetitive strain, degenerative wrist changes, and higher incidence of comorbidities such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and arthritis.
    • CTS is more common in women, especially during perimenopausal years and in pregnancy, where hormonal and fluid balance changes contribute to median nerve compression.
  • Sex 
    • Women, especially those taking birth control pills, going through menopause, or taking estrogen, have the highest risk of developing CTS
  • Nerve-damaging conditions
    • Chronic illnesses such as diabetes
  • Inflammatory conditions
    • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Obesity
  • Alterations in the balance of body fluids
    • Pregnancy
    • Menopause
  • Other medical conditions
    • Kidney failure
      • Hemodialysis:[1][2][3][4]
        • Carpal tunnel syndrome is significantly more common in patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis.
        • Risk increases with dialysis duration and is strongly associated with dialysis-related β2-microglobulin amyloid deposition within the carpal tunnel.
        • Venous hypertension, subclinical access-related ischemia, and altered fluid dynamics from arteriovenous access may exacerbate median nerve compression.
        • Symptoms are typically limited to the median nerve distribution, worsen at night, and lack ischemic features, helping differentiate from access-related hand ischemia.
    • lupus
    • Hypothyroidism
    • Multiple sclerosis
  • Workplace factors 
    • Working with vibrating tools
    • Assembly line
    • Computer use

References

  1. Larson E, Lancaster T, Pelrine E,Werner B, Deal DN. Carpal tunnel release in the dialysis-dependent population: Incidence and outcomes. J Hand Microsurg. 2024;16(3):100056. doi:10.1016/j.jham. 2024.100056
  2. Kopeć J, Gadek A, Drozdz M, et al. Carpal tunnel syndrome in hemodialysis patients as a dialysis-related amyloidosis manifestation– incidence, risk factors and results of surgical treatment. Med Sci Monit. 2011;17(9):CR505-CR509. doi:10.12659/MSM.881937
  3. Kwon HK, Pyun SB, ChoWY, Boo CS. Carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral polyneuropathy in patients with end stage kidney disease. J Korean Med Sci. 2011;26(9):1227-1230. doi:10.3346/jkms. 2011.26.9.1227
  4. Grant Y, Freilich S, Horwitz MD, Shemesh D, Crane J. Carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with arteriovenous fistula for haemodialysis: a narrative review of the current literature. J Vasc Access. 2021; 22(5):795-800. doi:10.1177/1129729820948690