Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOverviewIncidenceDemographicsRisk FactorsScreening and Diagnosis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Overview
Incidence
Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening and Diagnosis
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)is an extremely common and costly upper extremity condition that accounts for over $2 billion in medical costs annually in the United States. In addition to causing pain and numbness, CTS causes individuals to miss an average of 27 days of work from the onset of the condition to its final treatment.
This article will outline the key facts and statistics that you should know about carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Overview
Early on, CTS symptoms primarily are felt when you wake up in the morning and resolve when you shake or move your hand around. As the condition progresses, however, the symptoms become more prolonged and may arise anytime you flex or extend your wrist or hand throughout the day.
Carpal Tunnel vs. Arthritis: Similarities and Differences
How Common Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the single most common peripheral nerve compression issue in the United States.
The symptoms associated with this diagnosis are sometimes acute (sudden onset and lasting a short time), but they usually are chronic (lasting over many months or years).
While the cause of CTS is still not completely clear, one review of the literature approximated that 6 out of every 100 adult men and 9 out of every 100 adult women in the country may be affected.
In this subset of the workforce (which includes manufacturing, meatpacking, sewing, and cleaning jobs), more than 1 in 10 workers have symptoms consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Any adult can develop carpal tunnel syndrome, but certain populations have a higher incidence than others. This includes:
What to Know About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnancy
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Risk Factors
Certain people are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, including:
Screening for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
During this evaluation, you’ll usually be asked about your symptoms' location, frequency, timing, and duration. Sensory and motor tests—including several that typically provoke the symptoms of CTS—are also commonly performed. Your provider will also look for visual signs of atrophy in the palm muscle near the base of your thumb, as this can occur in advanced cases of the condition.
In addition,electromyography (EMG) testingis also sometimes ordered. This assessment tool uses fine needles to measure the ability of the median nerve to send sensory and motor signals to the wrist and hand. The diagnostic intervention may be used with a clinical exam to differentiate CTS from other nerve issues. It is helps determine the appropriateness of various treatment options.
Common carpal tunnel treatments include:
What to Expect Before and After Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Summary
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common nerve condition that affects the hand, wrist, and forearm. Most common in women and people in middle age, CTS is also frequently seen in people with jobs that require repetitive or physical use of the upper extremities.
Carpal tunnel syndrome typically leads to hand or wrist pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Advanced cases can also cause significant disability and make it difficult to work. A physical exam and an EMG test may be needed to make a definitive diagnosis.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wright AR, Atkinson RE.Carpal tunnel syndrome: an update for the primary care physician.Hawaii J Health Soc Welf. 2019;78(11 Suppl 2):6-10.Genova A, Dix O, Saefan A, Thakur M, Hassan A.Carpal tunnel syndrome: a review of literature.Cureus. 2020;12(3). doi:10.7759/cureus.7333National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet.Dale AM, Harris-Adamson C, Rempel D, et al.Prevalence and incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in US working populations: pooled analysis of six prospective studies.Scand J Work Environ Health. 2013;39(5):495-505. doi:10.5271/sjweh.3351
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wright AR, Atkinson RE.Carpal tunnel syndrome: an update for the primary care physician.Hawaii J Health Soc Welf. 2019;78(11 Suppl 2):6-10.Genova A, Dix O, Saefan A, Thakur M, Hassan A.Carpal tunnel syndrome: a review of literature.Cureus. 2020;12(3). doi:10.7759/cureus.7333National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet.Dale AM, Harris-Adamson C, Rempel D, et al.Prevalence and incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in US working populations: pooled analysis of six prospective studies.Scand J Work Environ Health. 2013;39(5):495-505. doi:10.5271/sjweh.3351
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Wright AR, Atkinson RE.Carpal tunnel syndrome: an update for the primary care physician.Hawaii J Health Soc Welf. 2019;78(11 Suppl 2):6-10.Genova A, Dix O, Saefan A, Thakur M, Hassan A.Carpal tunnel syndrome: a review of literature.Cureus. 2020;12(3). doi:10.7759/cureus.7333National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet.Dale AM, Harris-Adamson C, Rempel D, et al.Prevalence and incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in US working populations: pooled analysis of six prospective studies.Scand J Work Environ Health. 2013;39(5):495-505. doi:10.5271/sjweh.3351
Wright AR, Atkinson RE.Carpal tunnel syndrome: an update for the primary care physician.Hawaii J Health Soc Welf. 2019;78(11 Suppl 2):6-10.
Genova A, Dix O, Saefan A, Thakur M, Hassan A.Carpal tunnel syndrome: a review of literature.Cureus. 2020;12(3). doi:10.7759/cureus.7333
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet.
Dale AM, Harris-Adamson C, Rempel D, et al.Prevalence and incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in US working populations: pooled analysis of six prospective studies.Scand J Work Environ Health. 2013;39(5):495-505. doi:10.5271/sjweh.3351
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