Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Repetitive Stress Injuries: Prevention of Hand Pain
By Marji Hajic, MS, OTR/L, CHT
Occupational Therapist/ Certified Hand Therapist
 

www.handhealthresources.com

About 50% of all workers are considered to be at risk of developing a repetitive stress injury such as carpal tunnel syndrome. 1 in 10 will develop an injury severe enough that it interferes with work, home and leisure activities. Symptoms may include hand and arm pain, numbness and tingling, weakness and clumsiness. At its worst, people who experience these injuries are unable to work, unable to pursue musical and artistic hobbies, unable to perform simple household tasks, even unable to hold and care for their babies.

In addition to the pain and disability experienced by the individual, the cost of these injuries can be tremendous. The carpal tunnel release is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States. An individual case, including medical, therapeutic and work-related expenses, can cost up to $29,000. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the direct and indirect costs of all these types of injuries can total as much as $20 billion dollars a year. Why should we care? For every postage stamp we buy, for every car we purchase, for any service or acquisition, these costs are passed on to us as consumers.

Most of us have either experienced symptoms ourselves or know of someone who has hand pain or had surgery on the hand. We see people daily, on the streets, in our offices, at the grocery stores, wearing wrist braces. Yet few of us are able to say what causes these injuries or to plan strategies for prevention.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is just one diagnosis under the umbrella heading of repetitive strain injuries. These injuries occur when daily microscopic damage exceeds the body’s daily ability to repair tissues. The damage accumulates gradually until symptoms finally become evident. Excessive or repetitive work, forceful movements, and awkward positioning can all contribute. Anything that slows the body’s ability to heal, such as stress, poor health and illnesses (for example, diabetes) can also contribute.

The earlier that repetitive injuries are treated, the better the chance of recovery. Common medical treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, rest from aggravating activities and splinting. Therapeutic interventions used in hand therapy may include ultrasound, electrical stimulation, the use of heat and cold, massage techniques, splinting and exercises. However, the very best defense is to prevent the injury from occurring in the first place.

Techniques for prevention and recovery need to occur in three arenas: general health and fitness, ergonomics and work habits, and specific preventative exercises. First, a healthy body heals better. Practice healthy habits such as drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and performing stress-reducing techniques. Maintain a healthy body weight. Get a good night’s rest. Give up the cigarettes.

Second, maintain a comfortable work environment that is ergonomically sound. Assess noise, temperature and task performance. Modify activities that require awkward positioning, forceful movements and repetition. Small and inexpensive changes, such as using a glare screen and a telephone head-set, changing the position of the mouse or the monitor, and varying tasks performed throughout the day, can significantly reduce body stressors.

Third, exercise regularly. It is important to stretch the tight muscles that are at risk (such as the forearms and neck) and strengthen the weak (such as the postural muscles). Performing deep breathing techniques and cardiovascular activity can also improve the flow of oxygen and blood to affected muscles.

For a more in-depth look at the causes and cures of carpal tunnel syndrome, you can hear Ms. Hajic speak at a free Community Health Connections lecture on Thursday, October 20, 7:00-8:00 pm.

Marji Hajic, MS, OTR/L, CHT presents “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Repetitive Stress Injuries: Prevention of Hand Pain.” The presentation includes a discussion of the causes of hand and arm pain, methods to prevent repetitive stress injuries and techniques to improve the comfort of your work environment and to reduce physical stressors. She will discuss the role that ergonomics plays in prevention and provide information on easy-to-apply and cost-efficient solutions. Ms. Hajic will also demonstrate exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles most at risk.
 
 
Marji Hajic is an Occupational Therapist and a Certified Hand Therapist with 13 years of experience specializing in hand injuries.  She practices at Santa Barbara Hand Therapy and has produced the exercise DVD Healthy Hands: An Upper Body Conditioning Program for Work-Injury Prevention through her company Hand Health Resources.  www.handhealthresources.com