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Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is a small tunnel of bones and ligaments on the underside of your hand. A major nerve, the median nerve, passes through that tunnel. When everything is working well, you’re able to have full range of motion of your hand and forearm. But if that nerve is pinched or otherwise compressed, Revive Medical Center cautions that you might experience numbness, pain, and even weakness in the affected arm and hand. What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

1. Family History of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Like many health conditions, if your family members have had a particular condition, you’re more likely to experience something similar. This doesn’t guarantee that you’ll have carpal tunnel syndrome, but it does increase the chances. Other aspects of genetics, like whether you have smaller wrists, and therefore carpal tunnels, can be a factor, too. It’s important to learn your family’s medical history so you can have a better understanding of your health risks.

2. Health Issues that Affect Nerves, Joints, and Tissues

There are a lot of health conditions that aren’t directly related to this syndrome, but they can contribute. Illnesses that cause nerve damage, for instance, can have a huge impact. People with diabetes may be more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Other conditions, like arthritis, are inflammatory conditions that can irritate the median nerve. Getting these health issues under better control can help with carpal tunnel pain.

3. Prolonged Repetitive Motions

Repetitive motions are also a huge cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Over time, these consistent movements cause irritation and inflammation that make it difficult for the nerve to function properly. Sometimes rest can relieve the condition, but often repetitive movements have been going on for years and take a long time to recover from on their own. Often people don’t realize that they have a problem with that hand or arm until the nerve is causing a great deal of discomfort.

4. Fluid Retention

Pregnancy and fluid retention for other reasons can also be a huge contributing factor for this syndrome. This is because when you retain fluids, you don’t just retain them in one area of the body. The carpal tunnel is also affected, which leaves much less room for the median nerve. As fluid retention eases, often the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome do, as well.

If you’re experiencing pain, you need relief from the pain and the pressure. Revive Medical Center in Lawrenceville, GA has chiropractic protocols that can help you to feel more comfortable. Give us a call to set up an appointment.

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