Powered By
Continue with Facebook
Continue with your email
Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a type of amyloidosis that affects the heart. It happens when a protein called transthyretin builds up in the heart muscle. This condition can change your life in ways you might not expect. Even though it starts in the heart, it can also affect your hands and wrists, which may come as a surprise.
Sign up to view the results!
Continue with Facebook
Continue with your email
In fact, ATTR-CM is related to carpal tunnel syndrome. Here’s what you need to know about ATTR-CM and wrist pain.
If you’ve been diagnosed with ATTR-CM, it means that a protein called transthyretin has changed its shape and is building up in your heart instead of moving normally through your blood. The buildup of this protein is called an amyloid deposit. These deposits make your heart walls stiff, so your heart may have trouble pumping enough blood to your body. Over time, this can lead to heart failure.
There are two types of ATTR-CM: hereditary (familial) ATTR-CM, also called hATTR-CM, and wild-type ATTR-CM. If you have this hereditary type, it means a change in the transthyretin (TTR) gene affects how your body makes transthyretin. That change can cause this protein to build up in different parts of your body, including your heart. If ATTR-CM runs in your family, ask your doctor about genetic testing.
ATTR-CM can also develop without changes to your genes. This is called wild-type ATTR-CM. Both types share symptoms like carpal tunnel syndrome.
The carpal tunnel is a small passage on the palm side of your hand. The median nerve runs through it, surrounded by bones and ligaments. When something happens in that tunnel that puts pressure on the median nerve, the condition is called carpal tunnel syndrome.
Most people with carpal tunnel syndrome notice their symptoms start slowly over time. They may notice tingling and numbness. This is most common in the thumb and all of the fingers except the pinky finger, though the sensations can also travel up your arm. Some people feel something like an electric shock in the same areas. This can be very painful.
Carpal tunnel syndrome may also cause weakness in the hand and fingers. You may drop objects when you try to use your thumb and fingers to hold them, for example. This can be related to numbness but may happen separately, too.
The “CM” in an ATTR-CM diagnosis stands for cardiomyopathy, which means this kind of amyloidosis affects the heart. However, the same amyloid deposits that collect in the heart with ATTR-CM can build up in other places in your body, including within your nervous system. Your median nerve is part of that system. One common symptom of amyloid buildup in your nervous system is carpal tunnel syndrome. So, carpal tunnel problems may be caused by the same amyloid buildup as ATTR-CM.
Several members of MyAmyloidosisTeam have talked about having carpal tunnel syndrome as part of their amyloidosis. One member shared, “I have been bothered with carpal tunnel for over 10 years. It has become a painful way of life for me.”
“I’ve experienced some form of carpal tunnel since I was 20,” another added.
Some even found out about having ATTR-CM because of carpal tunnel syndrome. “Diagnosed ATTR from carpal tunnel biopsy,” one member explained.
Another said, “My carpal tunnel biopsy came back positive for amyloidosis.”
Carpal tunnel syndrome can sometimes be a helpful clue for spotting ATTR-CM early. In one study, carpal tunnel symptoms often showed up before heart problems, so researchers suggested using it to help decide who should be tested for ATTR-CM. That research found that about half of the people who later developed heart problems from ATTR-CM had carpal tunnel syndrome first. Other research has found that people with carpal tunnel syndrome may have up to three times the risk of being diagnosed with amyloidosis.
Having carpal tunnel symptoms in both hands is associated with amyloidosis. In one study, people with carpal tunnel problems in both hands were more likely to have amyloidosis. Those who only had it on one side were more likely to find that it was caused by other issues, such as a broken wrist or an inflammatory condition.
Additionally, many people who have carpal tunnel syndrome and go on to develop ATTR-CM may also notice other signs of amyloidosis. They may have one or more of the following issues:
If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel and it’s on both sides, or if you have any of the other issues noted above, talk to your doctor about additional tests. Treatments can slow ATTR-CM progression, but it’s important to be diagnosed early so they have a better chance of working. Paying attention to carpal tunnel symptoms may be the key to an early diagnosis.
There are many ways you can treat carpal tunnel syndrome. The treatment option you and your healthcare provider choose may depend on:
If you’re diagnosed with ATTR-CM, you’ll need treatment for that condition, in addition to managing the pain in your wrists and hands.
If you’re just starting to notice symptoms of carpal tunnel problems, there are a few steps you can try. As much as you can, avoid the actions that cause your symptoms. This may not be possible if you use your hands for work, though. You can also use ice on the carpal tunnel area to reduce swelling and take breaks to rest your hands.
Talk to your doctor as soon as you start to notice symptoms. Treating them early may help you avoid surgery. Your doctor can prescribe medications that help treat any swelling in your carpal tunnel. They can also give you splints that keep your wrists in a good position so the median nerve isn’t squeezed.
Carpal tunnel surgery can help you feel better, too. This procedure relieves the pressure on your median nerve so it can function normally again. If your body continues building up amyloid proteins in the small tunnel, this may be what you need to feel better again.
Some members of MyAmyloidosisTeam have had carpal tunnel release surgery and found relief from their carpal tunnel symptoms. One shared, “Yes, carpal tunnel is a symptom, and I had surgery many years ago for both wrists with wonderful results.”
Another member said, “I decided to have carpal tunnel surgery on that wrist. I must say, it took months of recovery, but I’m happy to report that my wrist is so much better.”
On MyAmyloidosisTeam, people share their experiences with amyloidosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Do you have carpal tunnel related to ATTR-CM? Let others know in the comments below.
Still have questions about your condition? I can help.
Get updates directly to your inbox.
Continue with Facebook
Continue with your email
Become a member to get even more
Join
A MyAmyloidosisTeam Member
I had carpal tunnel surgery and got zero relief. Also supraspinatis tendon and short head of the bicep tear.
We'd love to hear from you! Please share your name and email to post and read comments.
You'll also get the latest articles directly to your inbox.