Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition affecting millions worldwide. It occurs when the median nerve runs from your forearm to your hand and becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. This compressed nerve can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected hand and fingers. Some cases need to be treated with carpal tunnel release surgery.
While carpal tunnel syndrome is a standalone condition that requires treatment on its own, it is also associated with several comorbidities or other conditions that may occur simultaneously.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome due to nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels.
In addition to treating CTS symptoms, managing diabetes through medication, diet changes, and exercise can also help reduce the risk of developing CTS.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a joint disorder characterized by inflammation and stiffness in the joints. People with arthritis are more likely to develop CTS due to inflammation around the wrist joint which can put pressure on the median nerve.
Treatment for arthritis may include medication, physical therapy, or surgery if needed, along with treatments for CTS such as splinting or stretching exercises.
Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can affect nerve function throughout the body, including those in the wrist. This effect on nerve function can cause carpal tunnel symptoms.
Treating thyroid disorders through medication and lifestyle changes may help reduce CTS symptoms and other associated symptoms.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can increase fluid retention in tissues, including those surrounding nerves leading to increased pressure on nerves such as the median nerve causing carpal tunnel symptoms.
Improving posture during pregnancy, wearing wrist splints or braces during sleep, and avoiding repetitive motions while pregnant may help alleviate symptoms of both pregnancy-related swelling and CTS.
Obesity
Obesity increases pressure on joints in general due to excess weight and puts individuals at higher risk of developing various health problems, including CTS. Losing weight through healthy eating habits and exercise can help alleviate obesity-related health problems and reduce pressure on nerves like those affected by CTS.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries such as those experienced by athletes, assembly line workers, or musicians who use their hands frequently can lead to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Over time the repetitive strain on tendons around the wrist joint puts pressure on nerves like the median nerve.
Taking breaks during work hours, doing appropriate warm-up exercises before engaging in any activity involving repeated motions, and using ergonomic tools designed specifically for minimizing strain on hands/wrists/arms may prevent the onset of CTS.
Conclusion
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a complex condition that affects many people worldwide. While it often presents itself alone as a standalone condition requiring treatment, it’s important to note that several comorbidities are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of these comorbidities include diabetes, arthritis, thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, obesity, and repetitive motion injuries.
Understanding these associations between carpal tunnel syndrome and comorbidities will allow patients and doctors to better understand how best to manage this common ailment and other related health issues they might be facing simultaneously.
Also Read More: Curing diabetes and the role of a diabetes specialist
