Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a painful progressive condition caused by compression of nerves in the wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist.
Symptoms usually start gradually, with pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day, and decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks. In some cases, no direct cause of CTS can be identified. Most likely the disorder is due to a congenital predisposition - the carpal tunnel is simply smaller in some people than in others. However, the risk of developing CTS is more common in those performing assembly line work, computer work, gardening, or building activities that involve repetitive movement, pinch-grip overuse, using vibrating equipment, etc. If you exhibit symptoms, seeing a physician is your first step in diagnosing CTS and establishing proper treatment (Wang, 2018).
The following exercises are intended to help prevent CTS. A quick five-minute exercise warm-up before starting your workday can help prevent work-related injuries, but also beneficial as a work stretch break during work activity.
Symptoms usually start gradually, with pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day, and decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks. In some cases, no direct cause of CTS can be identified. Most likely the disorder is due to a congenital predisposition - the carpal tunnel is simply smaller in some people than in others. However, the risk of developing CTS is more common in those performing assembly line work, computer work, gardening, or building activities that involve repetitive movement, pinch-grip overuse, using vibrating equipment, etc. If you exhibit symptoms, seeing a physician is your first step in diagnosing CTS and establishing proper treatment (Wang, 2018).
The following exercises are intended to help prevent CTS. A quick five-minute exercise warm-up before starting your workday can help prevent work-related injuries, but also beneficial as a work stretch break during work activity.
Note: This information is for education and prevention purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are experiencing symptoms, consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. For research updates and resources on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) visit the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (nih.gov).
References:
DOHS | NIH. (n.d.). https://ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/Pages/default.aspx
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/carpal-tunnel-syndrome
Wang, L. (2018). Guiding Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 29(4), 751–760. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2018.06.009
References:
DOHS | NIH. (n.d.). https://ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/Pages/default.aspx
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/carpal-tunnel-syndrome
Wang, L. (2018). Guiding Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 29(4), 751–760. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2018.06.009
Educational Handout
Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Daily Exercises
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