Some research suggests that overuse or strain in certain job tasks that require a combination of repetitive, forceful, and awkward or stressed motions of your hands and wrists can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Such strains can come from power tools can be chippers, grinders, chain saws or jackhammers — and heavy assembly line work, such as occurs in a meatpacking plant. Repetitive computer use has no definitive scientific evidence for causing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Although it's not clear which activities can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, if your work or hobbies are hand-intensive — involving a combination of awkward, repetitive wrist or finger motions, forceful pinching or gripping, and working with vibrating tools — you may be at higher risk of developing the condition.
Other risk factors include:
-Your sex. Women are three times as likely as men are to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
-Heredity. You may be significantly more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome if close relatives have had the condition. Inherited physical characteristics, such as the shape of your wrist, may make you more susceptible.
-Certain health conditions. Conditions including some thyroid problems, diabetes, obesity and rheumatoid arthritis can increase your risk. People with end-stage kidney disease also are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Women who are pregnant, taking oral contraceptives or going through menopause also are at increased risk, most likely due to hormonal changes. Fluid retention may be a cause of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. Fortunately, carpal tunnel syndrome related to pregnancy almost always improves after childbirth.
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TO GET TO:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/DS00326/DSECTION=risk-factors
revision: May 22, 2009
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