Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Repetitive Work Leads To Aching Wrists
Carpal tunnel syndrome is an entrapment neuropathy due to compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. Because carpal tunnel syndrome typically occurs as a symptom of various medical conditions, the exact cause in most of the cases of carpal tunnel syndrome is unknown.
The association of carpal tunnel syndrome with work involving repetitive motions of the hand and the wrist over a prolonged period of time isnt exactly a secret. The most common of such tasks associated with carpal tunnel syndrome is typing on a computer keyboard; other less common causes are use of hand tools, especially vibrating tools, certain sports like tennis, racquetball, handball, etc. and even tasks like painting, writing, sewing and driving. However not everyone doing such work develops carpal tunnel syndrome, and it is believed that other yet unknown factors, genetic predisposition for example, may also play a significant role.
But despite all the heated debate on causation, the association of carpal tunnel syndrome with such repetitive tasks is undisputed. Carpal tunnel syndrome may start with simple pain and altered sensations like tingling and numbness in parts of hand and wrist. In more severe cases, it may lead to weakness of grip and trouble with fine movements of the fingers. In affected persons, avoiding the repetitive tasks like typing and taking rest often relieves symptoms, further strengthening the link between such work and the aching wrists.
And since repetitive tasks involving hand and wrist are possible candidates for causing the carpal tunnel syndrome, one may take preventive measures to minimize the damage to the wrists by such repetitive tasks. If possible, one should try to avoid repetitive wrist movements as much as possible. But this may not be possible with most of the people, as it is often part of their job. Nowadays, many ergonomically designed tools, keyboards and other accessory aids are available that minimize the amount of stress on the wrists. They provide more comfortable posturing of the wrist while performing these works. Furthermore, sometimes making some minor changes in posturing also might be very helpful in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome or relieving its symptoms, one such example is moving the keyboard to a lower position to provide a more comfortable posture to the wrists while typing in which the wrist in not flexed when typing. Taking proper breaks in between the work is also very important as it provides rest to the wrist and minimizes the damage caused by repetitive movements.
The association of carpal tunnel syndrome with work involving repetitive motions of the hand and the wrist over a prolonged period of time isnt exactly a secret. The most common of such tasks associated with carpal tunnel syndrome is typing on a computer keyboard; other less common causes are use of hand tools, especially vibrating tools, certain sports like tennis, racquetball, handball, etc. and even tasks like painting, writing, sewing and driving. However not everyone doing such work develops carpal tunnel syndrome, and it is believed that other yet unknown factors, genetic predisposition for example, may also play a significant role.
But despite all the heated debate on causation, the association of carpal tunnel syndrome with such repetitive tasks is undisputed. Carpal tunnel syndrome may start with simple pain and altered sensations like tingling and numbness in parts of hand and wrist. In more severe cases, it may lead to weakness of grip and trouble with fine movements of the fingers. In affected persons, avoiding the repetitive tasks like typing and taking rest often relieves symptoms, further strengthening the link between such work and the aching wrists.
And since repetitive tasks involving hand and wrist are possible candidates for causing the carpal tunnel syndrome, one may take preventive measures to minimize the damage to the wrists by such repetitive tasks. If possible, one should try to avoid repetitive wrist movements as much as possible. But this may not be possible with most of the people, as it is often part of their job. Nowadays, many ergonomically designed tools, keyboards and other accessory aids are available that minimize the amount of stress on the wrists. They provide more comfortable posturing of the wrist while performing these works. Furthermore, sometimes making some minor changes in posturing also might be very helpful in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome or relieving its symptoms, one such example is moving the keyboard to a lower position to provide a more comfortable posture to the wrists while typing in which the wrist in not flexed when typing. Taking proper breaks in between the work is also very important as it provides rest to the wrist and minimizes the damage caused by repetitive movements.