Can carpal tunnel syndrome cause elevated ESR levels?

Question

Hi doctor,

I was hospitalized last week for my carpal tunnel and ganglion cyst surgery. Before surgery, the doctor took my blood sample for a complete blood count. I got my results today that show elevated ESR levels of 106 mm/hr, which I figured out the normal levels should be 20 mm/hr. I also take tablets Zinnat, Ibuprofen, and Lysine supplements. What could it be? Is it related to my carpal tunnel syndrome?

Please answer.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

Elevated ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) levels should not be the only factor contributing to carpal tunnel syndrome. However, your ESR level is too high, and it has to be evaluated, even though an isolated increase in ESR levels without any additional findings or symptoms is typically not significant. An ESR level at or above 100 mm/hr is usually associated with tuberculosis, connective tissue diseases, chronic and progressive inflammatory diseases, and cancer. So, I have a few questions for you,

1. Do you have any symptoms like lethargy, fatigue, fever (low grade or high grade), muscle or joint pain, weight loss, or night sweats?

2. Any symptoms of painful urination, increased or decreased urinary frequency, urgency of urination, or lower abdominal pain?

Kindly answer these questions in detail so that a proper diagnosis can be made and effective treatment can be given.

I hope this helps.

Take care.