Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is becoming more common thanks to the extensive use of computers and poor body mechanics. Remember you want your elbow at a 90-degree angle when you are typing and for your hands to be perfectly flat over the keyboard, no extension or flexion of the wrist!
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- Compression of the median nerve between the carpal ligament and other structures within the carpal tunnel
- Entrapment of nerve results in pain or tingling
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Repetitive motion, specifically typing at a bad angle
- Improper desk posture
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
- Burning, aching, tingling pain in the hand and wrist starting from the middle of the 4th finger towards the thumb
- Pain can radiate to the forearm
- “Acroparesthesia” – awakening at night with numbness
- Positive Tinel’s test: tapping the medial nerve results in pain and burning
- Positive Phalen’s maneuver: placing the hands together upside down with the outer side of the hand and wrist touching
