Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS) is one of today’s more costly workplace medical problems. It can affect anyone, from computer programmers to assembly line workers. You may know of someone who has suffered from this malady or may have experienced symptoms yourself.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow space in your wrist which carries a major nerve (the median nerve) along with tendons that help control your fingers. When inflammation occurs, the tendons swell, fluid increases in the tunnel, and there is increased pressure on the median nerve.
Conditions that can lead to compression of the median nerve include repeated movements, arthritis, diabetes, fluid retention, gout, poorly aligned fractures, chemical imbalances, emotional stress, and even hormonal changes in women. Along with repeated motions, another physical cause can be holding the hand in one position for long periods of time.
People with CTS may experience numbness,weakness, tingling and burning in their fingers and hands. If severe, CTS can force people to undergo surgery to relieve the pressure. In the most extreme, rare cases, a person could be prevented from working at all because their hand function is permanently impaired. Recent studies show that carpal tunnel syndrome is on the rise in some workplaces. Because of this, many employers are turning to physical therapists and other health professionals to help them design programs to prevent CTS. Some of the workplace issues that can be addressed include poor postures, tools, furniture, and equipment. Often included are exercises that people can do at home or at work. In addition, individual work stations may be modified. Specifically, chair type, computer monitor height, and keyboard position may need to be changed. A change in the grip size of a frequently-used tool is often helpful.
While surgery is sometimes necessary, other treatments are often tried first. These include wrist splints, anti-inflammatory medication, and/or injections. In the last two years, infrared light therapy has been used to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. In 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved infrared light for the treatment of carpal tunnel pain. Many of these options are considered prior to surgery or in the event that surgery fails.
