Advertisement

Why Do Women Get Painful, Numb Wrists More Often Than Men?

Why Do Women Get Painful, Numb Wrists More Often Than Men?

Women may be at greater risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome because their carpal tunnel is smaller.
Women may be at greater risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome because their carpal tunnel is smaller.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition characterised by numbness and pain in the hand, is three times more common in women than men.

Pregnant women are especially at risk of developing this condition.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway formed by bones and ligament at the wrist level. The median nerve travels through this tunnel to enter the hand.

In carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve gets compressed in the carpal tunnel. This can be due to a number of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative changes from an old fracture and even congenital reasons.

Diabetes mellitus can also increase the susceptibility of the nerve to pressure.

Carpal tunnel syndrome has been associated with other conditions, such as obesity, hypothyroidism, acromegaly, a family history of carpal tunnel syndrome, work-related excessive and repetitive movements of the wrist and hand.

Related article: How to prevent permanent hand damage after repetitive stress injury

Some cases just happen spontaneously, with no known reason.

Women may be at greater risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome because their carpal tunnel is smaller.

“Pregnant women are more susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome because of hormonal changes and fluid retention which can increase the pressure in the carpal tunnel,” says Dr Kalpana Prasad, Associate Consultant, Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), a member of the SingHealth group.

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms

Carpal tunnel syndrome is likely to start with mild numbness and tingling in the hands, especially in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. These sensations are commonly exacerbated during sleep. They may also be felt while holding an object such as a phone or book, or while gripping a steering wheel or bus handrail.

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are likely to become more persistent and severe as the condition progresses. If symptoms are left untreated, the patient can suffer median nerve damage leading to loss of sensation in the hand, including the ability to feel temperature. Muscle weakness can also result, causing hand clumsiness and a tendency to drop objects. Thus it is best to see a doctor as soon as you start showing symptoms.

Related article: 7 types of diabetes complications

Diagnosis

Your doctor will carry out a physical examination and may conduct tests such as a nerve conduction study (NCS) and an electromyography (EMG) to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment

There are several treatment options which can be used alone or in combination, depending on the severity of the condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment options include:

  • Wrist brace/splint

  • Anti-inflammatory medication

  • Steroid injection

  • Surgery

Non-surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome includes activity modification, wrist splint, oral anti-inflammatory medication and corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel.

In severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery may be recommended. The surgery releases the carpal ligament, taking pressure off the median nerve. The choice of surgical procedure lies between open carpal tunnel release and endoscopic carpal tunnel release.

Related article: 4 tips to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome

Get more health tips at HealthXchange.com.sg and sign up for our FREE e-newsletter.

Article written by Anjana Motihar Chandra for HealthXchange.

Articles on HealthXchange.com.sg are meant for informational purposes only and cannot replace professional surgical, medical or health advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.