CTS is a complex of symptoms associated with compression of a nerve, (the Median nerve), that passes through the Carpal Tunnel at the wrist. This tunnel is comprised of a ligament on top connecting to the carpal bones on both sides of the wrist, which create the floor and sides to the tunnel. Passing through this tunnel is not only the median nerve, but also 9 tendons that flex your fingers and thumb. If you have been doing repetitive work that overuses these flexor tendons, they can become inflamed and swell resulting in pressure on the Median nerve. This pressure on the nerve is what causes the symptoms of CTS.

Although there are many factors that can predispose someone to CTS, (i.e. arthritic changes or genetic variation in the structure of the wrist), common sense would tell us to avoid stressing this area...... The obvious thing is to avoid trauma to the wrists. Do not use the heel of your hand to loosen a part or force something to move by banging on it with your hand. Use a tool! If your work chronically stresses the flexor tendons try to modify your work position to minimize the stress. When typing, check the position of your wrists. Try to keep your wrists straight and supported, a chair with adjustable arms, an ergonomic keyboard and/or an adjustable keyboard tray can help as can a support in front of the keyboard. Use devices that help you grasp things. Cushioned , shock absorbing gloves, and cushioned tool handles can help. There are many ergonomically designs devices that can save you from suffering.

Other conservative approaches to prevent and treat CTS are available. Besides avoiding physical stress, try to periodically rest and gently stretch the tendons. You can gently stretch your fingers backwards and spread the thumb and little finger apart. You can also benefit from gentle massage, working from the two sides of your wrist toward the middle and then slightly down your forearm, this will help move the fluid build up of swelling. It will feel good and help!

If you start to develop symptoms of CTS, try applying ice, 15 minutes every hour and rest.This should be assisted with a proper wrist support. Since the position of the wrist at night will worsen the swelling and nerve compression, you will probably find the symptoms most annoying at night. You can try to wear a wrist support for better sleep and assist the healing. If you are inclined to use medications, antiinflammatory medications might reduce swelling and help with the pain, this is most important at night to help you sleep. If symptoms continue to worsen in spite of your best efforts, visit your health care provider. The severity of the problem can be determined by a test called a nerve conduction study. If your problem is far enough along, it might require surgery, although this is usually avoidable.

For many people Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is preventable. Be proactive, do not bang the wrists, use ergonomic devices to help minimize the stress of work, stretch and massage those tendons. Remember, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

There are many types of RSI's, totally dependent upon what we do. For 21 years I was chronically bent over, continually straining my lower back muscles. I developed a low back RSI. People who type for work chronically use the muscles and tendons of the forearms and hands. They often develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which can be an RSI. The builder who develops elbow pain caused by swinging a hammer has probably developed a strain or tendinitis. This might be called a "Tennis elbow" or lateral epicondylitis. This too is often an RSI. If your job requires pushing on a pedal to operate a machine, you might develop an ankle tendinitis which would also be an RSI. Even the person who drives professionally can develop RSI's due to a poor seating position and support. You might have a chronic strain, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, thoracic outlet syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome etc. etc. and they might all be an RSI. Well,..... you get the idea.

There are many things we can do to minimize the chronic stress of our daily tasks. The science of adapting our furniture and tools to our jobs is the science of ergonomics. In the future I will be discussing many RSI's and try to show how ergonomic designed products can prevent RSI's. After all, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"