In data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of November 2008, women held 47.1% of the jobs in the US.    Women in this group account for about two-thirds (2/3) of all work related repetitive stress injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome.

On average, women will develop carpal tunnel syndrome or other times of repetitive stress injuries, at a rate three times higher than men.   

The Union of Needle and Industrial Textile Employees report that of their 355,000 members, nearly one-quarter suffer from repetitive stress injuries.   Their membership consists of 75% women and 25% men.

There a several reasons why a women is more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than a man:

• Anatomical - Women naturally have smaller wrist bones which create  smaller space in which the nerves and tendons must pass through.   Dr. Robert Markison, a surgeon at the University of California believes that body temperature plays a role in why women develop carpal tunnel syndrome.  “Women have, on the average, a slightly lower body temperature and are inclined to be cool handed.’  Cool hands are more prone to develop carpal tunnel syndrome and are much slower to heal.”

• Physiological – There are other factors that contribute to a woman developing carpal tunnel syndrome, other than repetitive stress.  These include pregnancy, menopause, diabetes, metabolic disorders and hormonal changes.   These contribute to changes in soft tissue and can lead to swelling of the wrists.

• Sociological - Work-related stress can also contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.  Stress can lead to an increase in soft tissue changes and will, thereby, increase the likelihood of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.   Women also to have to cope with other stresses such as unequal pay, raising a family and other household responsibilities.