Carpal tunnel syndrome: Is it in your hands or your genes?

David Ring, MD, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, authored a study that was reported by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The study said the link between hand use and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is overstated and may be inaccurate.

There is strong evidence for an inherent, genetic risk for CTS. The researchers evaluated data for the cause of CTS, and scores from biological factors such as genetics, race, and age were twice those of occupational factors such as repetitive hand use and vibration.