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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome—Are Men and Women Created Equal?

While millions of people in the country suffer from the pain and numbness caused by cumulative trauma disorders, especially Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), working women are the most common victims. With over 68 million women in the work force, many of them in traditional jobs using a computer, the chances of women being at risk for CTS are three times higher than men and as a result, women could really be at risk of losing their jobs -- temporarily, if not permanently.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed, squeezed or repeatedly stressed over time. Repetitive hand and finger movement, such as working at a computer station, can lead to the compression of the median nerve. More and more females suffer from CTS each day. Why?

Physically, women have smaller, square shaped wrists and a narrower carpal tunnel passage which predisposes them to developing CTS. With a lower average body temperature, women often have cooler hands and decreased blood flow. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or even from the use of birth control pills and gynecological surgery can result in swelling of the wrists increasing the chances of CTS.

If you find yourself or a loved one in an office setting doing a job with repetitive hand and finger movements, take charge now. By being proactive, you can help prevent or stop the progression of CTS today. If you have symptoms, find relief in many non-invasive steps you can take while at work. Here is what every woman should practice:

Ergonomic Work Station
Make sure your desk and other work areas are comfortable and fit your body type. Wrists should be straight and neutral while using a keyboard. Also look at your chair and make sure that your feet are resting on the floor and your lower back is supported.

Wrist Support
A comfortable wrist support cushion can benefit every computer user, especially during long hours of computer work. They are not designed to be a permanent resting place, but more to keep a better angle of the wrist without being a harsh surface like wood, plastic or metal.

Take Breaks
To rest your wrists, eyes and entire body, be sure to take breaks to avoid prolonged computer use. Look away from your computer and remove your wrists from the keyboard for a couple seconds. Between projects, take a few minutes to walk around to stretch legs and increase blood flow. Be aware of what your body is telling you. If your wrists or eyes feel strained, this is a sure sign that a short break is needed.

Exercise
Stretching exercises can strengthen and benefit those with CTS symptoms. There is information on the internet about office exercise, talk with your doctor or physical therapist about exercises you can do at home and at work to relieve wrist pain and stress and help prevent future problems.

CTS can be a very painful condition that can halt a woman’s career and simple, everyday activities like exercising, shopping, cleaning, driving or taking care of the kids, can become unbearable. Thanks to the advancements in ergonomics; by utilizing other simple steps that can be implemented at work, every woman can take charge today to prevent this terrible condition and find relief from what can be debilitating pain.

Courtesy of ARA Content