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Typical Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are |
- Pain and numbness
in the fingers, hand and wrist*
- Pain
may also radiate into the forearm
- Weakness
and/or clumsiness in hand function
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Treatment
If left untreated, weakness in the hand may become severe and disabling.
At Allied Medical & Rehabilitation, PC we offer an effective,
painless alternative. Instead of surgically releasing the pressure on the
involved nerve, we perform a series of treatments to painlessly stretch
the wrist while using several procedures to reduce the swelling and
tightness associated with CTS. Once the pressure on the nerve is relieved, many patients
experience significant relief quickly. |
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Carpal tunnel syndrome is not only common among computer keyboard users.
It can strike anyone and its consequences
are serious. Awareness of the problem and it's causes is crucial to preventing
CTS. Typically, symptoms are numbness in fingers, hands and wrist. The pain
may also radiate into the forearm. Left untreated weakness in the hand may
become severe and disabling. Attention to to stress levels, proper ergonomics,
and the early warning signs of CTS are important in keeping the aliment
at bay. |
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Causes |
- Genetic Predisposition
Certain people are more likely than others to get CTS. The amount of
natural lubrication of the flexor tendons varies from person to person.
The less lubrication, the more likely to get CTS. One study correlates
the cross sectional shape of the wrist to CTS.
- Health and Lifestyle
People who have diabetes, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis are more prone
than others to develop CTS. People experiencing hormonal changes as
related to pregnancy, menopause and use of birth control pills are more
prone to CTS.
- Repetitive Motion
One of the more most common cause of CTS is repetitive motion. When
the hand or fingers are flexed, the flexor tendons rub against the walls
of the carpal tunnel. If time is allowed for the hand to recover, this
rubbing is not likely to lead to irritation. The amount of recovery
time needed varies from fractions of a second to minutes depending on
various factors, including those mentioned above, as well as the intensity
of the flexing, the weight of objects in your hand, and the extent to
which the wrist is bent during flexing.
- Trauma
A blow to the wrist or forearm can make the tendons swell and cause
or encourage the onset of CTS. |
- Ergonomics
Proper seating is crucial good ergonomics. The height of the seat and
the position of the backrest should be adjustable. The chair should
be on wheels so it can be moved easily. Arm rest on chairs, though optional
are helpful. |
- Table Height
To adjust the chair properly, look at the height of the table or desk
surface where the keyboard rests. On the average, a height of 27-29
inches above the floor is recommended. Taller people will prefer slightly
higher tables than do shorter people. If your table is adjustable, set
the waist angle at 90 degrees, then adjust the table so that your elbow
makes a 90 degree angle when your hands are on the keyboard.
- Wrist Angle
If your keyboard is positioned properly your wrists should be able to
rest comfortably on the table in front of it. Some keyboards are so
“thick” that they require you to bend your hands uncomfortably
upward to reach the keys. If so, then place a raised wrist rest on the
table in front of the keyboard. A keyboard that requires you to bend
your wrists is a common cause of CTS among computer users.
- Elbow Angle
To measure, have your hands rest comfortable at the keyboard and your
upper arms vertical. Then measure the angle between your forearm and
upper arm(elbow angle). If it is less than 90 degrees, raise the seat
of your chair. If the angle is greater than 90 degrees, lower the seat.
Try to hold your elbows close to your sides to help minimize "ulner
displacement” the sideways bending of the wrist (as when reaching
for the “Z” key).
- Waist Angle
With your elbow angle at 90 degrees, measure the angle between your
upper legs and your spine (the waist angle). This should be about 90
degrees. If it is less than 90 degrees, your chair may be too low (and
your knees too high). Otherwise, you may need to alter the position
of the backrest or adjust your own posture (sit up straight)
- Feet
With elbows and waist at 90 degrees, your feet should rest comfortable
flat on the floor, If they do not, adjust your chair and table height
and repeat the steps above. If your table is not adjustable and your
feet do not comfortably reach the floor, use a raised footrest. Otherwise
you may need a different table. |
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Call Allied Medical & Rehabilitation, P.C. today. We have an excellent
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment protocol that is painless and may avoid
the need for surgery. |
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Would you like to learn how to sit correctly? Click Here |
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