Pressure on the median nerve causes carpal tunnel. The median nerve has a sensory function and also provides nerve signals to move your muscles (motor function). Your thumb, index finger, middle finger and the middle-finger side of the ring finger are controlled by the median nerve.
Pressure on the nerve can stem from anything that reduces the space for it in the carpal tunnel. Possible causes include:
-Other health conditions. Some examples include rheumatoid arthritis, certain hormonal disorders — such as diabetes, thyroid disorders and menopause — fluid retention due to pregnancy, or deposits of amyloid, an abnormal protein produced by cells in your bone marrow.
-Repetitive use or injury. Repetitive flexing and extending of the tendons in the hands and wrists, particularly when done forcefully and for prolonged periods without rest, also can increase pressure within the carpal tunnel. Injury to your wrist can cause swelling that exerts pressure on the median nerve.
-Physical characteristics. It may be that your carpal tunnel is more narrow than average.
For more information click here
TO GET TO: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/DS00326/DSECTION=causes
revision: May 22, 2009
My Favorite Web sites
Home
Symptoms
Causes
Risks
Tests and Diagnosis
Treatments
