For those who have experienced carpal tunnel syndrome, even basic tasks like typing can become painful. This occurs when the median nerve, which passes through a narrow passage in your wrist known as the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed. Repetitive actions such as typing or using a mouse may strain the tendons in your wrist, causing swelling that exerts pressure on the nerve. Without intervention, carpal tunnel syndrome often worsens over time. (Discover how to differentiate between carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.)
Carpal tunnel is not solely about wrist pain; it can also be associated with other health conditions like diabetes, thyroid issues, or rheumatoid arthritis. According to a 2024 study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, carpal tunnel syndrome might even signal heart problems. The study revealed that individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome were almost three times more likely to develop cardiac amyloidosis. This condition occurs when abnormal proteins accumulate in the heart, impeding its ability to pump blood. Over time, this additional strain can weaken the heart and lead to heart failure.
How carpal tunnel may be linked to heart disease
Your liver produces specific proteins, but occasionally these proteins form abnormal fragments (known as amyloid) due to aging or genetics, as explained by Henry Ford Health. Although it’s normal to have these amyloid proteins, they sometimes accumulate in areas like the carpal tunnel. Eventually, these proteins can deposit in your heart, affecting its function. If diagnosed with carpal tunnel, a heart disease diagnosis might follow five to 10 years later on average. (Here’s what distinguishes carpal tunnel from arthritis.)
Carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t inherently lead to heart disease. Only about one in five individuals with carpal tunnel will be diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis. If your carpal tunnel requires surgery or affects both hands simultaneously, it might be an early warning of amyloidosis. Carpal tunnel may also indicate cardiac amyloidosis if accompanied by neuropathy in your legs or orthopedic issues like a rotator cuff injury. Adults over 60 and people of African descent may also face a higher risk of amyloidosis if they have carpal tunnel.
The signs and risks of carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome isn’t always characterized by simple wrist pain from typing, nor does it always result from a specific injury. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the burning or tingling sensation in your fingers can be intense enough to wake you at night, especially if you sleep with bent wrists. Carpal tunnel may also radiate up the forearm or into the shoulder. Difficulty in buttoning clothes or frequent dropping of objects could also signal carpal tunnel syndrome.
Certain individuals are more susceptible to developing carpal tunnel. Women and those with smaller carpal tunnels may face a higher risk of irritating the median nerve. Conditions such as arthritis or previous wrist fractures can further increase the likelihood of developing carpal tunnel. Inflammatory conditions like gout can cause swelling in the tendons of the wrist, contributing to nerve compression.
Early treatment of carpal tunnel often involves taking breaks from (or avoiding) activities that trigger symptoms. Wearing a wrist splint for several months or receiving a corticosteroid injection can help if symptoms are mild (here are some carpal tunnel exercises). Even if symptoms fluctuate, it’s crucial to see a doctor to rule out any underlying heart conditions associated with carpal tunnel. If surgery is necessary to alleviate pressure on the median nerve, request your doctor to take a biopsy of the wrist tissue to check for amyloidosis.
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