IMAK in the News

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Growing Problem Among Computer Users

If you are one of the 180 million Americans using a computer at work and/or at home, you are at risk of repetitive motion injury. These injuries, especially Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, can be devastating.

But they can be easily prevented by simply setting your workspace up more ergonomically correct – in other words, fit your workspace to your body; don't fit your body to the workspace.

If you already have wrist pain, or have even been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor will most likely recommend conservative treatment first and prescribe a wrist brace and anti-inflammatory medication (like coated aspirin) to relieve the pain. Hopefully, your doctor will prescribe a night splint that is specifically designed for nighttime relief. A proper night splint will keep your hand and wrist (AND YOUR FINGERS) in a neutral position to prevent you from clenching a fist or holding your hand in another harmful position while sleeping.

The key is to reduce the amount of pressure on the median nerve located inside the carpal tunnel. The median nerve shares the carpal tunnel space with nine tendons. Each of these nine tendons is surrounded by a sheath called the 'tenosynovium'. These sheaths swell up from friction caused by repetitive movement of the wrist, causing carpal tunnel syndrome. There are other causes of symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome including arthritis, thyroid problems, diabetes and pregnancy. In fact, nearly 30% of pregnant women get carpal tunnel syndrome in the third trimester of their pregnancy.

Rigid splinting during the day, especially while working, is generally not recommended. Prolonged use of rigid splinting during work can cause muscle atrophy – similar effect as wearing a cast when you had a broken bone.

For daytime wrist relief, wear a soft, flexible support that does not restrict movement of your hands and wrists. Also, look for a support that has a cushion to protect the underside of your wrist and your pisiform bone (the sensitive little bone you feel when you put your wrist on a hard surface).

Surgery should always be your last resort – if everything else has failed to provide relief.

Try to avoid getting carpal tunnel syndrome at all costs. Set your workstation up so that it's comfortable for your body size and work style. Take regular mini breaks throughout the day. Keep yourself in good physical shape with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a positive outlook on life.

Ian MacMorran, MD, is an orthopedic & hand surgeon and medical director of IMAK Corporation, makers of carpal tunnel relief products like the Pil-O-Splint® and Smart Glove® at www.imakproducts.com.