Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome: A case-control study

This study aimed to determine the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome in women. It was done in an effort to prevent the development of this neurological disease in women. A case - control study was performed on 132 women with carpal tunnel syndrome and 80 women without disease, with an age range of 18-60 years, referred to one of the physical therapy centers in Ardabil. Samples were selected randomly and the radial and ulnar nerve conduction standard tests were done. In order to collect data, a questionnaire that included common risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome was used. Data analysis was performed by using t-test and chi-square test. T-test showed statistically significant differences between cases and controls in the mean length and width of the wrist (p=0.001). Among the hormonal factors, diabetes in the case group was three times more than the control group. Furthermore, calculation of second chances coefficient for taking oral contraceptives showed that these drugs can be also among the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome. Based on the results, using cold water and washing clothes by hand in the patient group was significantly more than the control group (p=0.033) (p=0.011). Housekeeping, history of using oral contraceptives and diabetes can be the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome. Moreover, factors such as number of children, weight, length and width of the wrist and using cold water for washing were more common in patients. Understanding these factors can be an effective step in preventing this common problem in women.