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CTS may be associated with swelling in the tunnel which may be caused by inflammation of the tendons, a fracture of the wrist, wrist arthritis and other less common conditions. CTS can occur with pregnancy, diabetes, thyroid problems, rheumatoid arthritis and other less common conditions, but most sufferers have none of these.
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CTS commonly affects women in middle age but can occur at any age in either sex. The tunnel contains the tendons that bend the fingers and thumb as well as the nerve (see diagram). Measurements on how fast and how well the median nerve transmits messages to muscles indicate if there is damage to this nerve.Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition where the median nerve is compressed where it passes through a short tunnel at the wrist. Electromyography - Electrodes are placed on the forearm and electrical current is passed through the patient.Tingling of the fingers indicates damage to the median nerve. Phalen's test - The patient puts the backs of the hands together and bends the wrists for one minute.A tingling response in one or more fingers indicates damage to the median nerve. Tinel's test - The physician taps the median nerve at the wrist.Diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is confirmed by performing certain tests to detect damage to the median nerve. It also requires consideration of the frequency, intensity, duration and regularity of each task performed at work. Evaluation begins with a discussion of the person's employment and requires a detailed description of all the processes involved in a typical day's work. The evaluation of occupational carpal tunnel syndrome includes identifying workplace risks. People who suspect carpal tunnel syndrome often consult a doctor. What are the non-occupational factors of carpal tunnel syndrome? Some studies show that psychosocial factors (such as stress) can also contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Pounding safety lever or stamping machine Wearing poorly fitting gloves which apply external pressureĪgricultural worker, mechanic, factory worker, those working in cold temperatures Janitor, personal support workers, kitchen and restaurant workers Production sewer, tailor, garment worker/stitcher Grasping and tugging fabric, pulling cloth Table 1 Job tasks and occupations associated with carpal tunnel syndrome The following table lists common tasks and related occupations associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Note that the repetitive motions required for keyboard work and the use of a computer mouse may be related to the development of other injuries. While keyboarding work is generally not a risk factor for developing carpal tunnel syndrome, it can cause pain and exacerbate symptoms for those who already have the condition. Excessive use of vibrating hand tools may also be related to carpal tunnel syndrome.Ī possible link between carpal tunnel syndrome and computer mouse use is uncertain. Bakers who flex or extend the wrist while kneading dough, and people who flex the fingers and wrist in tasks such as milking cows, using a spray paint gun, and hand-weeding are other examples.
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Cashiers, hairdressers, or knitters or sewers are examples of people whose work-related tasks involve the repetitive wrist movements associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Those workers performing assembly line work - including manufacturing, finishing, cleaning, and meat/poultry/fish packaging - commonly report this injury. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (USA) indicates that carpal tunnel syndrome is "often the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself".Ĭarpal tunnel syndrome has been associated with certain tasks including: What are the occupational factors of carpal tunnel syndrome? The fibrous tissue thickens the tendon sheath, and hinders tendon movement. Repeated episodes of inflammation cause fibrous tissue to form. In turn, the swelling squeezes the median nerve in the wrist or carpal tunnel. Failure of the lubricating system creates friction between the tendon and its sheath causing inflammation and swelling of the tendon area. It may not produce enough fluid or it may produce a fluid with poor lubricating qualities. With repetitive or excessive movement of the hand, the lubrication system may malfunction. Lubrication is essential for the normal and smooth functioning of the tendons. The inner wall of the sheaths contains cells that produce a slippery fluid to lubricate the tendons. The tendons of the hand are encased in sheaths, or sleeves through which the tendons slide. For example, when a person bends a finger, the tendon moves about two inches. Bending the wrist or moving the fingers brings muscles and tendons into action.