Is Your Keyboard Hurting You?
Those twenty-page term papers can hurt more than just your
GPA. Those long hours at your keyboard can lead to Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome (CTS). CTS is caused by long-term, repetitive motions
of the wrist, such as those used when typing. These motions cause
the tendons in the carpal tunnel to swell and put pressure on the
median nerve. Pressure on this nerve can cause severe pain in the
wrists, hands, and arms, and if left untreated can eventually cause
loss of function in these areas. In addition to typing, behaviors
such as sleeping on your hands, playing an instrument repeatedly,
using power tools, and doing excessive amounts of writing may lead
to CTS.
Symptoms: Signs of CTS include numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in your hands arms, or wrists. Some sufferers also experience feelings of weakness in their fingers and/or a reduced ability to squeeze their hands. The symptoms often increase at night.
Prevention: To help prevent CTS, keep your wrists in a neutral position and maintain good sitting posture while you work. Try to type using a light touch, with your elbows bent at a 90° angle. Take frequent breaks for at least five to ten minutes every hour. Try to alternate your tasks, so that you do not spend more than an hour or two at a time at your keyboard. Also, be sure to warm up your hands by stretching your fingers and wrists before you begin.
Treatment: CTS is commonly treated with braces. Anti-inflammatory medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen, are also frequently used. As a last resort, surgery can be performed to alleviate the pain. Things you can do at home to alleviate symptoms include using ice or heat packs and massaging the painful areas. Exercises to increase strength and dexterity in your hands, wrists, and arms may be beneficial, as well. For more information, stop by the Student Health Services.
Erika Newsletter Winter 2002