Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Risk Factors

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a repetitive stress injury that can affect most anybody. However certain activities and characteristics can put you at higher risk for developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If you posses any of these risk factors you should be extra vigilant in preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The risk factors are:

Occupation

Jobs that require repetitive motion of the forearm, wrist and hand increase the risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Combining force, especially uncontrolled, external forces, heighten the risks. Some occupations of concern are:

• Manual Labor
• Meat Packing
• Fish Packing
• Lumber Jacks
• Vibrating Equipment Operators
• Construction Workers
• Vehicle Assembly Workers
• Truck or Cab Drivers
• Typists
• Computer Programmers

Hobbies

Much like jobs, passionate hobbyists can heighten the risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Hobbies that require motion of the forearm, wrist and hand increase risk, especially if that hobby is performed sitting down. Some hobbies of concern are:

• Knitting
• Crocheting
• Needlepoint
• Crossstitch
• Sewing
• Quilting
• Beading
• Woodworking
• Gardening
• Cooking
• Video Gaming
• Card Playing

Age, Sex and Pregnancy

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome develops in more people aged 40-60.
• Statistically women tend to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome more than men.
• Pregnant women may develop symptoms due to fluid retention.

Health Issues

A number of health issues can contribute to developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome either because they share similar causes or their effects on the body heighten the risk. Either way one may be a warning sign for another. Some health issues are:

• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Hepatitis C
• Down's Syndrome
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Menopause

Physical Issues

• Since Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by friction in the Carpal Tunnel, having a small Carpal Tunnel is a risk. This may be a genetic trait leading towards Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
  
• Having a square wrist where the width is roughly equal to the thickness, instead of a typical rectangular shape, may heighten the risk. A square wrist may imply a small Carpal Tunnel as well.
  
• Obesity can heighten the risk of many repetitive stress injuries including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Other Issues

Some other issues that can increase the risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are:

• Stress
• Cigarette Smoking
• A Bad Diet