Healthy Living

The Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel

Things are looking up

Rapoport says that he has begun to see fewer patients who have rheumatoid arthritis developing carpal tunnel. He still maintains that certain activities and jobs can increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel, but that certain medications seem to improve the odds. The most common activities that Rapoport has seen that seem to contribute to patients developing carpal tunnel syndrome include computer-related jobs or jobs operating small machinery, such as sewing machines.

Dr. Kohler agrees that modern medication for rheumatoid arthritis may play a huge role in decreasing her patient's risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Kohler credits the function that the medications play in reducing inflammation and swelling, which in turn, reduced irritation and swelling on the median nerve.