Among people who have pain, numbness, and tingling in their hands, 1 in 5 may have carpal tunnel syndrome.1 Carpal tunnel syndrome affects approximately 2% to 3% of the general population.1 It is more common in women than in men.
Recently, there has been an increase in work-related cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. This may be because of greater awareness about the condition, and because many people at work use forceful or repetitive hand movements (such as typing on computer keyboards or performing assembly-type work) or have hand-arm vibration, all of which may be related to carpal tunnel syndrome. Obesity, smoking, and medical conditions such as pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and diabetes can also contribute to symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially when combined with forceful or repetitive hand and finger movement or the use of vibrating equipment.
Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome accounts for more than 40% of all repetitive-motion disorders.2 When compared with other illnesses and injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common causes of absences from work.
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | David Pichora, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery |
| Last Updated | November 3, 2006 |
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