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S AFETY T ALKS! Ergonomics

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is Painful But Preventable

Repeating the same motion over and
over can cause injuries. These
injuries may not be apparent at first,
but in time they can become
disabling.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one such

repetitive strain injury. It is caused by
repeated motions of the hand and
wrist. Occupations ranging from
computer operator to carpenter are
prone to this type of injury.
Symptoms progress from slight
discomfort to severe pain and inability
to use your hands.
The Carpal Tunnel is a passageway
through the wrist which contains a
nerve. When the bones and tendons
surrounding this nerve become
damaged, dislocated or swollen, the
nerve is compressed. This causes
symptoms of tingling, numbness, pain
and weakness in the fingers and
hands.
Often the symptoms are first
noticeable because they awaken you
during the night. They can progress
until you are unable to continue with
your work.
Here are some tips for preventing
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Work with your wrist in a relaxed,
straight, neutral position. Try not to
bend your wrist when doing repetitive
tasks.
Take regular short breaks to rest
your hands. If possible, organize your
work so you can vary your tasks
throughout the shift.
Avoid placing force on your hands,
particularly when your wrist is bent.
Do not allow impact on the palm of
your hand. A tool such as a
screwdriver should be long enough so
it extends beyond the palm of the
hand. Make sure any impact is
distributed through a large part of
your hand, not just the center of your
hand.
Never pound with your hands
use an appropriate tool instead.
Make use of devices which help
you keep your wrists in the correct
position. For computer work, wrist
rests and specially shaped keyboards
are available. Certain power and hand
tools are made to keep your hands in
the correct position while working.
Wrist supports are available. These
devices are made of leather, plastic
and fabric. They also keep you from
bending your wrists. For instance,
keyboard operators wear them to
prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
from becoming worse.
Check with a medical person
promptly if you develop any of the
symptoms of Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome. These include numbness
to the hand or fingers, a burning or
tingling sensation and pain.
In treating Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome, it is important to eliminate
the action or hand position which is
causing it. The wrist needs rest. A
doctor may prescribe anti-
inflammatory drugs to reduce the
swelling in the tissues surrounding the
nerve. Surgery is an option in some
severe cases.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can cripple
permanently. Prevent it now rather
than having to live with it later.

The information presented in Safety Talks! has been compiled from various sources believed to be reliable. However, it cannot be assumed that all acceptable safety measures are contained in
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