Can Arthritis Lead To Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Do you ever feel a twinge of pain in your hand that seems out of proportion to the cause? It’s as if a minor strain sends shockwaves of agony through your entire arm. You try to brush it off, attributing it to a recent injury or perhaps the relentless demands of your workload.

But what if this discomfort persists, lingering far longer than expected? It could be a warning sign, a subtle indication that something more insidious than a mere strain may be at play. Brace yourself, for it could be arthritis.

Arthritis doesn’t discriminate; it can strike anyone, from the youngest of children to the oldest of souls. Astonishingly, statistics reveal that a staggering 43 million people suffer from this relentless condition. And as if that weren’t enough, the prevalence of arthritis and its companion, osteoarthritis, escalates with age, affecting both men and women alike.

But here’s a fascinating fact: Did you know that when it comes to musculoskeletal diseases in the elderly, osteoarthritis (OA) takes the crown? It specifically targets the hands, turning them into the primary battleground for its relentless attacks. Our trusted hands, which we rely on for countless tasks, now face this formidable adversary.

However, while arthritis is a familiar term to many, there’s another condition lurking in the shadows: carpal tunnel syndrome. It may not have the same easy recognition, but its impact can be just as devastating. So, what distinguishes these two disorders, and is there a link between them? Can arthritis, with its stronghold on the hands, pave the way for the emergence of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Come, join us on a journey of discovery as we delve deeper into the world of hand pain, unravel the mysteries of arthritis, and explore the enigmatic realm of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Arthritis: Joint problem

Arthritis is characterized by inflammation and loss of function in the joints and connective tissue. There are around 100 different types of arthritic disorders, and they all add up to a significant health and financial burden on communities.

The most common arthritic disease include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Osteoarthritis (OA)
• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
• Gout lupus, and
• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)

According to studies, OA affects 1.3 to 1.75 million people, while RA or inflammatory RA affects 0.25 to 0.5 million people.

Where exactly does arthritic pain occur? Smaller joints are initially affected, then as the disease develops, the disease spreads to the shoulders, hips, ankles, knees, and elbows.

Signs and symptoms of arthritis include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Restricts range of motion
• Tenderness

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

Around 7% to 10% of people in a study experience hand and wrist symptoms, which are frequent in primary care. Among these people, Carpal Tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common diagnosis. CTS symptoms are stated by about 1.6% of people.

A nerve disorder called carpal tunnel syndrome affects your wrist and hand mostly. The median nerve at the wrist is compressed, which results in CTS. It is thought to be the most prevalent case of compressive neuropathy in the upper extremity.

The risk of CTS is linked to:

• Inflammatory arthritis
• Diabetes mellitus
• Chronic kidney disease
• Thyroid disorders
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Heredity
• Pregnancy

Let's check the prevalence of CTS in varied conditions:

• The incidence of CTS is high in perimenopausal women
• Pregnant women are 2.5 times more likely to develop CTS than non-pregnant women in the age range of 15 to 44.
• 70% of patients had diabetes mellitus prior to or within six months of CTS diagnosis.

Tingling or numbness, weakness, burning, loss of sensation, and pain are symptoms of CTS in the hand, wrist, or arm. It also affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers, and can spread all to the forearm.  

The link between arthritis and CTS

The compression of the median nerve caused by inflammation is frequently observed in arthritic patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The most frequent neurological involvement in RA is CTS.  

Are you aware of the joint risk factor for CTS and arthritis? The risk factors for RA, OA, and CTS are age and sex. Obesity is a proven risk factor for CTS, as well as a potential danger for RA and hand OA.

Here are several statistical research findings that link arthritis with CTS.

• 43% had carpal tunnel syndrome in addition to basal joint arthritis.
• Wrist degenerative osteoarthritis could be a risk factor for CTS.
• The prevalence of CTS was 30% with RA and 41% with PsA.
• Patients with RA have a twofold greater risk of CTS.
• Women are more likely than males to experience CTS.
• A 3-fold increased chance of having carpal tunnel surgery was associated with inflammatory arthritis.

The risk of carpel tunnel surgery can increase in comorbid condition by:

• Diabetes: 40% increase
• Hypothyroidism: 70% increase
• Hemodialysis: 9-fold increase

Impact of Arthritis on CTS

Let us look into how arthritis affects CTS:  

• Carpal tunnel syndrome is a complication of RA, with the wrist being the most frequently afflicted joint.
• The transverse carpal ligament and carpal bones together form the carpal tunnel.
• The carpal tunnel contains nine flexor tendons along with the median nerve. Each flexor tendon has its own synovial sheath.
• Because of tenosynovitis surrounding the transverse carpal ligament and flexor tendons, RA is known to produce CTS.
• Tenosynovitis, swelling, and edema of the synovial sheaths of the flexor tendons in the carpal tunnel are all symptoms of RA.

Ways to treat CTS

What are the treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome you ask? You’re about to find out!

Below are some methods for treating CTS.

CTS can range in severity from mild to severe. When symptoms are treated properly, the hand and wrist can frequently regain function.

Surgery can be needed if CTS is severe. A quicker healing time can also result from early therapy.

Take care of yourself

1. Cold treatment

Apply ice to your wrist or submerge it in an ice bath for 10 to 15 minutes every hour or so. Your wrist discomfort is relieved and the swelling in the injured tendon is diminished by applying ice.

2. Warm treatment

Put your hand in warm water that is between 92- and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (33 and 37 degrees Celsius), and then gently move or flex your hand and wrist. Attempt to do this 3-4 times daily.

3. Unwind a little

• People with moderate CTS symptoms can avoid activities or take regular breaks from repetitive-motion tasks that cause discomfort.
• Every hour, take a 10- to 15-minute break to stretch your hands.
• When performing chores, try to switch hands occasionally.
• Don’t apply more pressure to your hand; instead, use the minimum amount of force necessary.
• Take care not to grip your tools too firmly.
• Hang your wrist over the edge of your bed or gently shake it if a pain in the middle of the night keeps you awake.

4. Wrist Splint

• For optimum healing, pain, and sustained alignment, wrist splints offer solid support with immbolization.
• A wrist splint relieves strain on the median nerve by supporting and bracing your wrist in a straight, neutral position. You can wear a splint all day or simply at night.
• According to studies, 37% of patients could control their symptoms effectively with splinting alone.

5. Some alternatives therapy  

• Yoga positions that emphasize opening, stretching, and strengthening upper-body joints alleviate discomfort and enhance grip strength in patients with CTS.
• CTS symptoms may be relieved by hand treatment procedures used in physical and occupational therapy.
• The temperature of the damaged area rises during ultrasound therapy, which may reduce discomfort and speed up healing.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) frequently responds well to acupuncture as a symptomatic therapy.

6. Medications

• Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can be used to treat CTS, but just to lessen pain. Diuretics can also be utilized.
• Oral steroids are a useful treatment for CTS. Injections of corticosteroids, a type of anti-inflammatory medication, lessen inflammation of the tendons surrounding the median nerve, which eases pain.

Tips to take away

Consult your doctor if you experience pain, numbness, or other symptoms in your wrist or hand.

CTS and arthritis should be treated as a priority.

Get therapy as soon as possible because delayed treatment may result in damage to your hands’ bones and nerves.

In comorbid conditions, take advice from a physician for CTS prevention.

Conclusion

In the race against time, early detection becomes our greatest ally when it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms may escalate with each passing moment, tightening their grip on our lives.

So, keep in mind that early detection will shorten the recuperation time. In mild to severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, exercises, stretches, and lifestyle modifications can help relieve pressure and tension on the wrist. Even after undergoing surgical treatment, it is advisable to give your hand ample rest.

By taking these steps, you hold the power to regain control over your life. Embrace early detection, employ the tools of relief, and witness your hands break free from discomfort, ready to embrace a life without limitations.