Risk factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors include:

• Sex: female
• Advancing age
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Activities with repetitive hand motions:
  • Certain sports
  • Sewing
  • Playing musical instruments
  • Typing
  • Assembly tasks
• Water retention from:
  • Heart failure
  • Kidney problems
• Wrist injury:
  • Burns
  • Broken bones
  • Compression or crush injuries
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Raynaud's disease which impairs blood flow in the hands
• Hormone-related conditions:
  • Pregnancy
  • Breast-feeding
  • Menopause
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Cushing's disease
  • Excess growth hormone
• Medications:
  • Birth control pills
  • Cortisone pills or shots
  • Some high blood pressure drugs