Cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are difficult to determine because it is difficult to say whether the primary causes are work conditions or underlying medical problems.
In a study, obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and arthritis occurred in the majority of people who are having work-associated Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Work-Associated
The main cause is the repetitive motion at workplace. This account for nearly half of all reported work-related illness, and CTS is estimated to account for over 41% of the disorders caused due to repetitive motion. The key risk factors in the workplace are:
Repetition
High force
Awkward joint posture
Direct pressure
Vibration, and
Prolonged constrained posture.
One of the primary causes incorrect posture, especially in computer users. The rolling of the shoulders forward, rounding the lower back and thrusting the chin forward shortens the neck and the muscles of the shoulder, thereby compressing the nerves in the neck which ultimately have an effect on the wrist, fingers and the hand. But it is difficult to know the relation between these aspects and CTS.
The psychological factors like the deadlines, interpersonal factors and the job design at the workplace can also contribute for the inflammation of the carpal tunnel.
Medical Problems:
The medical problems such as fracture or dislocation of bone can narrow the carpal tunnel, which in turn exerts pressure on the median nerve. Some other medical problems, like the rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and hypothyroidism, can also cause the inflammation in the carpal tunnel, which exerts pressure on the median nerve.
Some experts believe that the initial stages of a number of auto-immune diseases may be carpal tunnel syndrome. A long-term hemodialysis and diseases such as multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which cause a build-up of a waxy starch like protein called amyloid in the bone and joint tissues can also cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Acromegaly, a disease that causes abnormally long bones, can cause CTS. A virus known as “human parvovirus” can lead to developing CTS in both hands.
Some medications administered to cancer patients such as the interleukin-2, which effects the immune system, can cause CTS, as well as anti-clotting drugs such as Warfarin.
Hormonal Problems:
The preservation of fluid during pregnancy or hormonal changes associated with menopause can cause swelling and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Genetically Inherited Problems:
The higher risk of disorders is reported in family having a history of this problem, which indicates that it is genetically inherited. Some researchers are particularly interested in abnormalities in certain genes that regulate myelin, a fatty substance that serves as insulation for nerve fibers. Some people may be born with abnormalities of the carpal bones.