Repetitive motion injuries such as CTS result from performing a task or motion repeatedly without giving the body time to rest, recuperate and repair from the activity. These injuries may also be increased by awkward positions or postures, vibration, and using hands to pound or push on things.
With carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive wrist and/or finger movements out of the neutral position (the slightly upward bent position where the least amount of strain is put on the wrist) can lead to injury. The injury occurs in the carpal tunnel (the area composed of small bones and an encircling ligament at the base of the hand) (Figure 1). Flexor tendons (the tendons that generate finger movement) and/or the synovium (the lining of the carpal tunnel) become swollen and inflamed. These inflamed tendons then press against other body parts in the carpal tunnel, quite frequently against the median nerve.
The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel, conducting impulses from the brain down the arm to the thumb, forefinger, middle finger and half of the ring finger. When pressed, numbness and tingling may occur. Blood flow through the carpal tunnel may also be reduced, often resulting in cold fingers.
Symptoms of CTS
• numb hands and fingers
• wrist and finger pain
• "pins & needles" sensation in fingers
• reduced grasping strength
• cold fingers
Women are also more prone to develop CTS than are men. In addition, CTS can be further aggravated or negatively influenced by the following conditions:
• age
• cool temperatures
• pregnancy
• rheumatoid arthritis
• diabetes
• vitamin B-6 deficiency
Preventing Pain from CTS
• Vary activities, and motions or tasks within those activities frequently.
• Take frequent rests from repetitive motions.
• Use the correct posture for all tasks.
• Stop at the first sign of pain. See a physician if the pain is persistent
• Decrease the rate of any repetitious task, and take frequent rests from gripping tasks
• Request exercises from your doctor to build up shoulder, mid-back and other muscles that may weaken
. when activities concentrate on other muscles. Also do conditioning exercises that strengthen the hand
This excerpt is from an article written by Bonnie Appleton and prepared by Mary Predny for NMPro Magazine
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