Can untreated or prolonged carpal tunnel lead to arthritis?

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually occurs when a major nerve (called the median nerve) becomes compressed in an already tight channel in the wrist (called the carpal tunnel). It can also occur with conditions that damage nerves, such as diabetes.

Untreated or prolonged carpal tunnel syndrome does not lead to arthritis. However, the reverse is often true: arthritis can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Arthritis of the wrist joint (in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis) causes increased pressure in the area and that pressure can cause nerve irritation and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Untreated or prolonged carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage. That’s one reason that detection and treatment of this common condition is so important.