Tips and recommendations 

Is carpal tunnel linked to rheumatoid arthritis?

Leia Doyle

Is carpal tunnel linked to rheumatoid arthritis?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition in people with rheumatoid arthritis. It’s caused by compression of the nerve that controls sensation and movement in the hands (median nerve) and has symptoms such as: aching. numbness.

How does RA cause carpal tunnel?

Individuals with the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis may be especially prone to CTS. One of RA’s hallmarks is inflammation and swelling of the synovium – the lining of the joints – and according to the website rheumatoidarthritis.net, RA commonly afflicts the wrist joints.

Can RA be misdiagnosed as carpal tunnel?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is another condition that is easily mistaken with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in the early stages. This condition causes hand pain and numbness, but what differentiates this condition from CTS is how the pain is distributed.

Is carpal tunnel syndrome part of arthritis?

Carpal tunnel syndrome isn’t a kind of arthritis and doesn’t cause arthritis. Any kind of arthritis in the wrist can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. This is because arthritis may cause: swelling in the wrist.

How do I know if it’s carpal tunnel or arthritis?

Some key signs, which can help differentiate carpal tunnel from different kinds of arthritis, include:

  1. Numbness and/or tingling in the first three fingers (thumb, index finger, and middle finger)
  2. Hand weakness.
  3. Nighttime pain.
  4. ‘Flicking’ provides pain relief.

What will happen if carpal tunnel is left untreated?

Ignoring symptoms of this carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage. First, you may notice tingling or numbness in your fingers that comes and goes. Over time, the sensations may get worse, lasting longer or even waking you up at night.

What activities make carpal tunnel worse?

Any job or activity that demands repetitive movements of the fingers and wrist, awkward hand movements, vibration, and/or mechanical stress on the palm increases the risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. The occupations associated with CTS tend to emphasize strong tugging, pulling, pushing, or twisting movements.