Could carpal tunnel symptoms be a sign of something else? Amyloidosis discovered during surgery

Joint problems and pain are common as we age, but a well-known repetitive stress injury could be a sign of something much more insidious.

Greg Hansen went to see an orthopedist after feeling numbness and pain in his right hand.

“They determined that yes, I had a carpal tunnel problem,” Hansen said.

But he discovered it wasn’t just carpal tunnel syndrome.

Dr. Daniel Gittings of Hoag Orthopedic Institute wanted to test something much more serious: a disease called amyloidosis. This is when proteins “fold” into stiff fibers and can form in various organs.

“It is deposited as plaque throughout the body and can cause multiple organ dysfunction,” Dr. Gittings said.

Amyloidosis is often misdiagnosed because it mimics many other conditions. Although it is quite rare, it is mainly found in men over 50 and women over 60.

“It’s very underdiagnosed at this point and it’s something that’s underrecognized,” Dr Gittings explained.

During carpal tunnel surgery, Dr. Gittings takes a tissue sample for testing. Greg tested positive.

“I have some weakness in my heart muscle from amyloidosis,” Greg said.

Medications such as protein stabilizers can slow and prevent buildup.

Greg said he noticed a pretty significant change just a week or two after receiving his first injection.

Amyloidosis is rare, but older adults with carpal tunnel symptoms in both hands have a higher incidence. Dr. Gittings says: If you’re at risk, talk to your doctor about getting tested.

It paid off for Greg.

“If it hadn’t been caught early, heart failure would eventually set in later and could kill people,” Dr Gittings said.

These days, Greg feels well enough to return to the hobbies he loves, like fishing and bowling.