What Are the Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The symptoms are caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. At Anderson Chiropractic in McMurray, PA, we can treat carpal tunnel syndrome after diagnosing the cause behind this problem. Some causes of this condition are included below.

Inflammatory Conditions

You may more likely develop CTS if you have rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. These conditions cause inflammation in the body, leading to the compression of the median nerve. However, any form of body inflammation can cause CTS. That's why you need to treat any inflammatory condition you may have to reduce your risk of developing this problem.

Anatomic Abnormalities

Anatomic abnormalities, such as tumors or cysts, can compress the median nerve and lead to CTS. These abnormalities are usually benign, but they can still cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. Some abnormalities behind this condition include lipomas, ganglions, and tenosynovitis.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is another common cause of CTS. Pregnancy causes an increase in fluid retention, and this extra fluid can lead to the compression of the median nerve. CTS usually goes away after the baby is born, but it can still cause pain and discomfort during pregnancy. You cannot prevent this condition, but you can treat it with chiropractic care.

Repetitive Motion

Repetitive motion is one of the most common causes of CTS. This condition is caused by making the same motions over and over again. The repetitive motions put pressure on the median nerve and lead to inflammation. This condition is often seen in people who do manual labor or play musical instruments. The best way to prevent this condition is to take breaks and repeatedly avoid the same motions.

Chronic Injuries

Some studies suggest chronic injuries can lead to CTS. Chronic injuries can cause inflammation in the body. For example, the rash can compress the median nerve and lead to CTS. Some sports injuries linked to this condition include tennis elbow and golfer's elbow.

Visit Our Chiropractor for Carpal Tunnel Treatment

Usually, the first step in treating CTS is to rest the hand and arm. However, this can be difficult if you have a job that requires you to use your hands often. If resting doesn't help, you may need to see a doctor or chiropractor for treatment. Chiropractic care is an excellent option for treating CTS, because it is non-invasive and drug-free. At Anderson Chiropractic, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Contact our office at (724) 941-5805 to schedule an appointment today!