Carpal tunnel syndrome - How common is it?

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]

References

Atroshi I, Gummesson C, Johnsson R, et al. Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in a general population. JAMA. 1999;282:153-158.
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.
Stevens JC, Sun S, Beard CM, et al. Carpal tunnel syndrome in Rochester, Minnesota, 1961 to 1980. Neurology. 1988; 38: 134-138.
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.
Voitk AJ, Mueller JC, Farlinger DE, Johnston RU Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 1983; 128: 277–281.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.