 |
|
|
What causes CTS Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is most often the result of a combination of factors. Genetic predisposition is one of these.
Many of us are more prone to it than others. The natural lubrication of the flexor tendons varies from person to person. The less the lubrication, the more you are prone to CTS. Computer users’ health and lifestyle has a close bearing on CTS. People suffering from diabetes, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to suffer from this condition than others. Doctors also say that women can be especially susceptible to this malady due to hormonal changes related to pregnancy, menopause, and the use of birth control pills. Among men, alcoholics are prime targets for CTS. At the work place, the most common cause of CTS is repetitive and stressful motion. When you use your hand and fingers to work on the computer, the flexor tendons rub against the walls of the carpal tunnel. This is unlikely to cause irritation if the hand gets a recovery time. The amount of recovery time varies according to circumstances, the genetic and health factors, the flexing intensity and the extent of wrist bending. Generally, you need almost no recovery time between keystrokes. However, if you type constantly, the recovery time requirement builds up. The friction within the carpal tunnel increases greatly when you use a keyboard or a mouse as the hands are bent upward at the wrists. It takes longer to recover from these motions. Work stress including deadline pressure, anger and anxiety can make matters even worse. The first signs of CTS include a tingling feeling in the fingers. This happens hours after work has stopped. This delay in manifestation of symptoms makes us think that the problem is unrelated to computer related work. We realise the truth too late. Over a period, tingling is followed by stiffness and numbness in the fingers and hand, and then to severe wrist and hand pain. Colleagues can help one another identify the onset of CTS by looking out for any unconscious shaking of hands, rubbing of the wrists, or other similar but unusual postures or hand positions at the keyboard. As soon as you notice any of these you should consult a doctor who can give you tests to determine if you suffer from CTS. Preventing CTS Ergonomics (configuration of your work place or station) has everything to do with CTS. While bad ergonomics is the prime cause of CTS, good ergonomics the best prevention tool. Proper seating comes first in ergonomics. The height of your seat and the position of its backrest should be adjustable. Armrests on the chair are also helpful. Your wrists should rest comfortably on the table. Many keyboards are thicker and these require you to bend your hands upward to access the keys. In that case, a suitably raised wrist rest will help. A keyboard that makes you bend your wrists is the biggest cause of the CTS, especially in India where ergonomics is relatively unknown outside the IT industry offices. A thumb rule is that if the angle between your forearm and the upper arm in vertical position is less than 90 degrees, you need to adjust the height of your chair. In case the angle is greater than that, you need to lower the seat. Exercises The American Physical Therapy Association has devised a set of exercises to prevent CTS among computer users. These exercises are not stressful and should not normally cause any pain. However, if you notice pain or discomfort, you might already be suffering from CTS. In that case you need a doctor, not these exercises which are basically designed to be preventive. Before beginning a typing job and during breaks throughout the day, take time to do the following stretching exercises: Gently press the hand against a firm, flat surface, stretching the fingers and the wrist, as shown in Figure A. Hold for five seconds. To strengthen the muscles along the
wrist, clench your fist tightly as shown in Figure B, then release,
fanning out your fingers as shown in Figure C.
|
 |
 |
