How common is carpal tunnel syndrome?
About 3 in 100 people may have carpal tunnel syndrome.1 Women are more likely to have it than men. One survey found 7 in 100 women have carpal tunnel syndrome, compared with 1 in 100 men.2
Men are more likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome as they get older.3 4 But women are more likely to have it between the ages of 45 and 54.
More than half of all pregnant women get symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.5 6
Sources for the information on this page:
- Atroshi I, Gummesson C, Johnsson R, et al. Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in a general population. JAMA. 1999;282:153-158. 10411196
- Dumitru D. Textbook of electrodiagnostic medicine. Hanley and Belfus (editors). Mosby, Philadelphia, U.S.A.; 1995.
- von Schroeder H, Botte MJ. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Hand Clinics. 1996; 12: 643-655. 8953285
- Stevens JC, Sun S, Beard CM, et al. Carpal tunnel syndrome in Rochester, Minnesota, 1961 to 1980. Neurology. 1988; 38: 134-138. 3336444
- Pazzaglia C, Caliandro P, Aprile I, et al Multicenter study on carpal tunnel syndrome and pregnancy incidence and natural course. Acta Neurochirurgica. 2005; 92 (supplement 1): S35-S39. 15830965
- Voitk AJ, Mueller JC, Farlinger DE, Johnston RU Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 1983; 128: 277–281. 6821784
This information was last updated in Sep 01, 2008
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This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved. |
