Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist. Typing on a computer keyboard is probably the most common cause of carpal tunnel. Other causes include:
- Sewing
- Driving
- Assembly line work
- Painting
- Writing
- Use of hand tools or tools that vibrate)
- Sports such as racquetball or handball
- Playing some musical instruments
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when pressure is on the median nerve – the nerve in the wrist that supplies feeling and movement to parts of the hand. It can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can also affect other organs. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. It is considered an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system normally fights off foreign substances, like viruses. But in an autoimmune disease, the immune system confuses healthy tissue for foreign substances. As a result, the body attacks itself.
- Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age. Women are affected more often than men.
- Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects joints on both sides of the body equally. Wrists, fingers, knees, feet, and ankles are the most commonly affected. The course and the severity of the illness can vary considerably. Infection, genes, and hormones may contribute to the disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis has no known prevention. However, it is often possible to prevent further damage to the joints with proper early treatment.
