Arthritis Care Res

Carpal tunnel syndrome: An early sign of rheumatoid arthritis?

May 7, 2025

Study details: This population-based study assessed the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) before and after incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and by serological status. The study included 1,335 RA patients and 1,331 matched non-RA individuals from 1980 to 2019, using at least two diagnosis codes ≥30 days apart to identify CTS.

Results: The prevalence of CTS prior to or on RA incidence was 13% in RA patients vs. 6% in non-RA individuals. Following RA incidence, RA patients had an approximately 80% higher risk of developing CTS. Seronegative RA patients had a higher risk of CTS compared with seropositive patients, both before and after RA incidence. Obesity and seronegative CCP-antibody status were significant risk factors for CTS in RA patients.

Clinical impact: CTS is an early and underrecognized feature of RA, with a significant increase in CTS risk both before and after RA diagnosis. Consider screening for CTS in patients with RA, particularly those with seronegative status and obesity, to facilitate early diagnosis and management.

Source:

George RJ, et al. (2025, May 5). Arthritis Care Res. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is an Early Underrecognized Feature of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A Population-Based Study of CTS Occurrence Before and After RA Incidence. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40322852/