Decrease Your Risk of
Getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

New research indicates that computer workers may find ways to avoid the crippling effects of carpal tunnel syndrome. A study done under the direction of Gavriel Salvendy, professor of engineering at Purdue University, shows the high risk factors contributing to the syndrome. Salvendy says, "Now that we know these risk factors, we can tell people what needs to be changed to reduce the likelihood of their getting carpal tunnel syndrome."

Carpal tunnel syndrome is defined as a nerve disorder resulting from pressure on the median nerve where it passes from the forearm through the carpal tunnel in the wrist and into the hand. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling in the first three fingers and the base of the thumb.

According to the study, the risk factors contributing to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

Extensive keyboarding

Keyboards

The amount of time spent using the keyboard is the number–one risk factor. For example, if keyboarding is increased from 15 minutes a day to four hours a day, the person's chance of acquiring the syndrome jumps from 30 percent to over 90 percent. To reduce the risk, Salvendy suggests rotating between typing and other duties as often as you can during the day.

Trunk angle

The study says that if you sit straight up, the risk is increased by 60 percent. However, if you lean back at a 25 degree angle, with the back straight, your risk factor is decreased to less than 10 percent. Trunk angle can be changed with the use of a proper chair that allows you to lean back with your back straight.

Wrist position

The study says that keyboarding with the wrist bent upwards increases the risk to 90 percent. If the wrist is kept in line with the rest of the arm, the risk drops to 10 percent. One way to do this is to use a wrist pad. Another way is to place your keyboard lower than the usual desk height.

Don't think because you are a constant mouse user, you are not at risk of getting the dreaded syndrome. Sharon Taylor, ergonomic consultant in Edmonton, Canada, says that holding the hand over a mouse with one finger held slightly above the button for hours is a killer. She recommends a mouse pad with a wrist rest. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful and debilitating injury that, with care, can be avoided.

Author information: By Marg Connolly–Grattan

 Reprinted by permission. Copyright ©1997, OFFICE HOURS, The Economics Press, Inc., 12 Daniel Road, Fairfield, NJ 07004–2565 USA; Phone: 1–800–526–2554 (US & Canada) or (+1 973) 227–1224. Fax: (+1 973) 227–9742. E–mail: info@epinc.com Web site: http://www.epinc.com.

Back to top

¹

The information contained in this article is only an overview of the subject matter made for general guidance to the reader, and is subject in all cases to limitations and disclaimers set forth in Staples' Legal Terms and Conditions.