Health Tip: Risk Factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Dec. 23 -- (HealthDay News) -- Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by pain, weakness, tingling and numbness in the wrists and hands. It can lead to difficulty holding or gripping objects.

The National Women's Health Information Center lists these common risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome:

• Abnormally small bones that form the carpal tunnel (between the wrists and hands).
• Frequent and repetitive movements of the hands and wrists.
• Any damage to the wrist joints or hands.
• Being pregnant.
• Being menopausal.
• Having had a mastectomy.
• Being obese.
• Certain medical problems, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism or lupus.