What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and how can you avoid it?
August 27th, 2008 by admin
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a repetitive stress disorder that strikes millions of people around the world – especially those who perform tasks repetitively for long periods of time without interruption.
The carpal tunnel is a small passageway in the hand that contains several important nerve endings and tendons. CTS occurs when the median nerve – which is found in the carpal tunnel and controls feeling and movement in the forefinger and thumb - is swelled and pressed or pinched against the wrist. This pressure causes weakness, numbness and pain in the hand-wrist area.
Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Burning or tingling sensations in the palm or fingers
- Itching in the palm or fingers
- Feeling as if the hands are swelling up, even though they are not.
- Inability to grip objects or make a closed fist
Myths and facts about who is at risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
As a well-worn part of the lexicon, there is a great deal of misinformation floating around about carpal tunnel syndrome. The following separates common myths from facts.
Myth: Data-entry workers are at the greatest risk for getting CTS
Fact: While data-entry and other computer related tasks do have a relatively high incidence of CTS on the job, those who work on the assembly line putting together products are actually at the highest risk for the illness. Other jobs commonly associated with CTS are: sewing, fish packing, fish cleaning and meat packing.
Myth: Men and women are equally likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome
Fact: Because the size of the female carpal tunnel is smaller, and therefore more susceptible to swelling and blockage, women are actually three times more likely to get CTS than men.
How to avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There are a variety of simple ways to keep CTS at bay. It is important to take part in the following activities BEFORE carpal tunnel syndrome becomes a problem. Preventative procedures include:
- Sit with good posture during work hours (or stand up straight if the job does not allow sitting)
- Purchase wrist guards, ergonomic keyboards and other devices when performing long stretches of data entry.
- Take frequent breaks throughout the workday. Do not work longer than an hour to an hour and a half without a short five minute break.
- Performing proper stretching exercises throughout the work day.
- Wrist stretching - Place your forearm on a desk or table with wrist lying off of the edge, palm down. Bend hand downward as far as possible without experiencing discomfort, then upward. Repeat five times
- Neck stretch – Can be performed standing or seated. With your head facing forward, tilt the head down towards the shoulder as far as you can and hold that position for five seconds. Now repeat by moving the head towards the left shoulder. Hold for five seconds. Repeat both five times.
Shoulder stretch – Stand up and place your arms at your sides. “Shrug” your shoulders up towards your ears. Now slowly roll the shoulders back, stretch them down and roll the shoulders forward again. Repeat five times.
Tags: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, CTS, Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
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