Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most misunderstood conditions affecting the hands and wrists. If you’ve ever experienced tingling, numbness, or weakness in your hands, you may have wondered whether you have CTS—and you’ve likely heard a few myths about it. Some people believe that only office workers get carpal tunnel, while others think surgery is the only solution. But how much of what you’ve heard is actually true?

Myth #1: Only People Who Type on a Computer Get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Truth: Carpal tunnel syndrome can affect anyone, not just office workers.

While repetitive typing can contribute to CTS, it’s not the sole cause. The condition occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain. Many other factors can increase the risk of developing CTS, including:

• Repetitive hand movements (such as using tools, playing musical instruments, or assembly line work)
• Medical conditions (such as diabetes, arthritis, or hypothyroidism)
• Pregnancy and fluid retention, which can put extra pressure on the median nerve
• Genetics, since some people naturally have a narrower carpal tunnel

If you work a desk job, adjusting your workstation and taking breaks can help, but CTS isn’t limited to office workers—it can happen to anyone! A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that CTS is prevalent among various occupations, including construction workers, musicians, hairdressers and landscapers [Shields et al, 2023; Mollestam et al, 2021; Gerger et al, 2024].

Myth #2: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is Just a Temporary Condition That Will Go Away on Its Own

The Truth: Ignoring CTS can make it worse over time.

Mild cases of CTS may improve with rest and conservative treatments, but if left untreated, symptoms often progress. The longer the nerve compression continues, the higher the risk of permanent nerve damage.

• A study in Clinical Neurophysiology described the natural evolution of untreated CTS, showing that while some patients may remain stable or improve, a significant percentage (23.4%) experienced clinical deterioration over a two-year period [Ortiz-Corredor, 2008].
• A systematic review published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that the course of CTS is variable, but a significant proportion of patients with conservatively managed CTS experienced negative outcomes at three years' follow-up, with 23% to 89% of participants showing poor prognosis [Burton et al, 2016]. This indicates that without appropriate treatment, CTS can persist and potentially worsen.

Early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications. Some ways to manage early symptoms include:

• Wearing a wrist splint at night to keep the wrist in a neutral position
• Doing gentle hand and wrist stretches
• Avoiding prolonged activities that cause wrist strain
• Using anti-inflammatory treatments like cold therapy or over-the-counter medications

If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical advice to prevent irreversible nerve damage.

A review in The Orthopedic Clinics of North America emphasized that CTS is a progressive condition that, if not treated, will likely worsen over time. The review noted that while conservative treatments can provide temporary relief, surgical release remains the most effective treatment for long-term improvement [Kulick et al, 1996].

Myth #3: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Only Affects One Hand

The Truth: CTS can affect one or both hands.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that can manifest in either one or both hands. Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is actually quite common. Since both hands often perform similar tasks, it’s not unusual for both wrists to develop symptoms over time.

• The National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) notes that in more than half of cases, both hands are affected, although the severity may vary between hands. When only one hand is affected, it is often the dominant hand used for writing [NLM].

If you notice symptoms in both hands, talk to a doctor or physical therapist about ways to prevent further nerve compression and manage discomfort in both wrists.

Myth #4: Surgery Is the Only Treatment Option for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Truth: Many people find relief with non-surgical treatments.

Surgery is typically recommended only for severe or persistent cases of CTS. In mild to moderate cases, conservative treatments can be highly effective, including:

• Wrist splints to stabilize the hand and relieve pressure on the nerve
• Physical therapy to improve wrist mobility and strength
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and swelling
• Lifestyle modifications, such as adjusting your workstation or reducing repetitive strain

If non-surgical treatments don’t provide relief and symptoms worsen, a doctor may recommend carpal tunnel release surgery, which is a minimally invasive procedure with a high success rate. However, surgery is not the first-line treatment for most people [Lusa et al, 2024; Wipperman & Penny, 2024; Huisstede et al, 2018; Fernández-de-Las-Peñas et al, 2020].

Myth #5: Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Truth: Knuckle cracking doesn’t cause CTS.

There’s a long-standing belief that cracking your knuckles can lead to arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, but there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim. The popping sound comes from gas bubbles in the synovial fluid of the joints—not from bones rubbing together or wearing down [Boutin et al, 2017; Rizvi et al, 2018; Deweber et al, 2011].

Myth #6: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is the Same as Wrist Tendonitis

The Truth: CTS and wrist tendonitis are different conditions.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and wrist tendonitis are distinct conditions, each with different pathophysiologies and clinical presentations. Both conditions cause wrist pain, but carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the median nerve, while wrist tendonitis is caused by inflammation of the tendons. Some key differences include:

• CTS: Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring fingers. In severe cases, it can lead to weakness and atrophy of the thenar muscles. Diagnosis is often confirmed through physical examination maneuvers, and can be further validated with electrodiagnostic studies [Wipperman & Penny, 2024; Wipperman & Goerl, 2016; Currie et al, 2022].
• Wrist tendonitis: Tendinitis is typically caused by repetitive strain or overuse, leading to pain and swelling in the affected tendons. Common types of wrist tendonitis include de Quervain's tenosynovitis, which affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, and extensor or flexor tendonitis, which affects the tendons on the back or palm side of the wrist, respectively. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness, usually without numbness or tingling [Currie et al, 2022; van Tulder et al, 2007].

Proper diagnosis is essential, as treatments for the two conditions can differ significantly.

Myth #7: Wearing a Wrist Brace All Day Will Cure Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Truth: A wrist brace can help, but it’s not a cure.

Braces help by keeping the wrist in a neutral position, especially at night when many people unconsciously bend their wrists. However, wearing a brace 24/7 without addressing underlying issues won’t cure CTS.

• A systematic review by the Cochrane Collaboration assessed the effects of splinting for CTS and found that while splinting may provide some symptom relief, the benefits are generally small and may not be clinically significant [Karjalainen et al, 2023]. The review included 29 trials and concluded that splinting might offer short-term symptom improvement, but its long-term efficacy remains uncertain.
• Another rapid evidence review in American Family Physician highlighted that night-only splinting is as effective as continuous wear and can provide symptom relief in patients with mild to moderate CTS [Wipperman & Penny, 2024. However, it emphasized that splinting is not a definitive cure and that patients with severe symptoms or those who do not respond to conservative treatments should be considered for surgical intervention.
• A systematic review in Disability and Rehabilitation also found that wrist orthoses can reduce pain in individuals with CTS, but the effect is typically short-term, and long term relief is not guaranteed [Figueiredo et al, 2024].

A comprehensive approach—including stretching, lifestyle changes, and medical treatment—is often needed for long-term relief.

How to Prevent and Manage Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If you’re concerned about CTS or want to prevent it from worsening, here are some actionable steps:

• Take frequent breaks if you use your hands repetitively
  
• Maintain good wrist posture while working or using a computer
  
• Perform wrist stretches to improve flexibility and circulation
  
• Use ergonomic tools to reduce strain on your hands and wrists
  
• Seek medical advice early if you experience persistent symptoms

By staying proactive, you can reduce your risk of developing CTS or prevent mild symptoms from progressing to severe nerve damage.

Know the Facts About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is surrounded by myths, but understanding the facts can help you manage symptoms effectively. CTS is not just for office workers, doesn’t go away on its own, and doesn’t always require surgery. With the right treatments and lifestyle changes, many people find relief without invasive procedures.

References

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