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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful and disabling cumulative trauma disorder characterized by inflammation and swelling in the tendons that run through the narrow carpal tunnel in the wrist.
Incidence; Causes & Development
One of the most common of repetitive motion injuries, the World Health Organization categorizes it as a work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Reportedly responsible for 30-40% of workers' compensation claims in the early 1990s, it afflicts burgeoning numbers of office workers.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by excessive and unrelieved repetition of movements that in themselves appear innocuous, such as cutting vegetables or typing on a computer keyboard. In addition to high frequency of repetition and lack of rest periods, factors that increase risk of hand-wrist damage include awkward or unnatural working posture, use of excessive force in performing a task, and emotional stress.
Signs & Symptoms
Numbness, tingling, and pain in the base of the thumb and the first three fingers results from the compression of a nerve that shares the carpal tunnel.
Treatment & Prevention
Treatment includes rest, exercises, wrist splints, anti-inflammatory medications, learning stress-reducing movement techniques, making adjustments to the individual's workstation, and surgery to reduce pressure on the afflicted nerve.
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Conditions that suggest Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Recommendations and treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
KEY | | Proven definite or direct link |  | | May do some good |  | | Likely to help |  | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Aspartame
A low-calorie sweetener used in a variety of foods and drinks and as a tabletop sweetener. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar and is commonly known by names such as NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful or Equal-Measure.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A common, painful defect of the wrist and hand. It is caused by pressure on the middle nerve in the carpal tunnel. The syndrome is seen more often in women, especially in pregnant and in menopausal women. Symptoms may result from a blow, swelling, a tumor, rheumatoid arthritis, or a small carpal tunnel that squeezes the nerve. Pain may be infrequent or constant and is often most intense at night.
Last updated: May 04, 2008
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