Government and public statistics
Carpal tunnel syndrome: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
Read the originalRead on October 16, 2026
- What it is
- The National Library of Medicine's encyclopedia entry on carpal tunnel syndrome: what it is, causes and risk factors, symptoms, tests, treatment and prevention, including workplace and typing advice. Review date June 4, 2025.
- How much weight it carries
- An NIH consumer encyclopedia reviewed by named physicians and accredited by URAC. It summarises the evidence in plain language rather than citing individual studies for each statement.
Facts taken from this source
- MedlinePlus says some of the jobs linked with carpal tunnel syndrome are those that involve vibrating tools.
“Some of the jobs linked with carpal tunnel syndrome include those that involve vibrating tools.” (Treatment, changes in work duties)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is excessive pressure on the median nerve at the wrist, the nerve that gives feeling and movement to parts of the hand.
“Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which there is excessive pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. This is the nerve that allows feeling and movement to parts of the hand.” (Opening definition)
- MedlinePlus says carpal tunnel syndrome occurs most often in people aged 30 to 60, and that other factors that may lead to it include alcohol use, wrist fractures and arthritis, cysts, infections, obesity and fluid retained during pregnancy or menopause.
“Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs most often in people ages 30 to 60. It is more common in women than men. Other factors that may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome include: Alcohol use Bone fractures and arthritis of the wrist Cyst or tumor that grows in the wrist Infections Obesity Extra fluids retained during pregnancy or menopause” (Causes)
- MedlinePlus says corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel area can relieve symptoms, and that medicine treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome usually give only temporary relief.
“Corticosteroid injections can be given into the carpal tunnel area to relieve symptoms. These treatments usually give only temporary relief.” (Treatment, Medicines)
- The U.S. National Library of Medicine says studies have not proved that typing on a computer, using a mouse or other repeated movements cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
“Studies have not proved that carpal tunnel is caused by typing on a computer, using a mouse, or repeating movements while working, playing a musical instrument, or playing sports.” (Causes)
Pages that rest on this source
- Speech to Text for Accessibility, RSI and DisabilitiesTopic
- Can typing cause carpal tunnel syndrome?Question
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and TypingGuide
- Carpal Tunnel Treatment: Splints, Exercises and SurgeryGuide
- Hand and Wrist Pain From Typing: What Is Causing ItGuide
- Typing Ergonomics: Set Up Your Desk to Prevent RSIGuide
- Can you get carpal tunnel syndrome in your feet or legs?Question
- Is it carpal tunnel or arthritis?Question
- Is it carpal tunnel or tendonitis?Question
- What is the correct wrist position for typing?Question
- Median nerveGlossary
- Can young people get carpal tunnel syndrome?Question
- Is carpal tunnel syndrome hereditary?Question
- What causes carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy?Question
- What is the best brace for carpal tunnel?Question
- Dictation for RSI and Carpal Tunnel: Type Less by VoiceGuide
- RSI From Typing: Symptoms, Causes and RecoveryGuide
- Keyboard Layouts Compared: QWERTY, Dvorak and ColemakGuide
- Can RSI from typing affect your thumb, elbow or fingers?Question
- Does touch typing cause or prevent RSI?Question
- Is carpal tunnel syndrome an occupational disease?Question
- Is Colemak worth learning?Question
- Is it carpal tunnel or trigger finger?Question
- Should you stop typing if you have RSI or carpal tunnel?Question