How Your Job Can Cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Did you know that carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common hand-related reason for surgery? Thankfully, there are less invasive treatments, as well as ways to prevent intense flare ups. One of those measures may involve shifting the ways you go about your work.

Our expert team at Northland Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Kansas City, Missouri, diagnoses and treats carpal tunnel syndrome to bring you lasting relief.

Here’s a deeper look at the condition, including ways your vocation might contribute.

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms

When you have carpal tunnel syndrome, the main nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel – an opening in your wrist – is compressed. That pressure can cause a range of symptoms, such as:

• Burning sensations in your thumb, index, or middle fingers
• Difficulty gripping objects with one or both hands
• Feeling as though your fingers are swollen
• Pain or numbness in one or both hands
• "Pins and needles" sensations in the fingers

Your symptoms may progressively worsen and flare up during the night, interfering with restful sleep.

Carpal tunnel risk factors

While most anyone can develop these symptoms, several factors raise your risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. The condition is three times more prevalent in women than men, for example. You’re also more likely to develop carpal tunnel symptoms if you have diabetes or hypothyroidism, a wrist injury, or if you smoke. 

Repetitive actions that involve your wrists can also contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. And if your job involves such activity, it too can fuel your symptoms.

Work that fuels carpal tunnel syndrome

Any job that requires a lot from your wrists may pave the way to carpal tunnel syndrome by placing pressure on the median nerve. Jobs and tasks that may bring on the pain, tingling, and numbness include:

• Assembly line work
• Carpentry
• Sewing or tailoring clothes
• Manufacturing industry work
• Playing guitar or piano
• Typing on a computer or other device

The amount of time you put into these jobs may determine whether or not you experience wrist problems. While typing less than 20 hours per week isn’t linked with carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, typing more than 28 hours per week can be linked to the condition.

What to do about carpal tunnel syndrome

If you’re dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome, our team at Northland Orthopedics & Sports Medicine will recommend a treatment plan to reduce the pressure in your wrist. Depending on the specifics of your condition and overall health, your plan may include:

• Wearing a wrist splint at night
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections

We can also recommend reasonable changes in your work life, such as wearing a brace during particular activities or switching to an ergonomic keyboard. Taking breaks and stretching regularly during lengthy work shifts may help, too.

If conservative methods fail to relieve your symptoms, we may suggest surgery. During this procedure, your provider cuts the ligament that’s compressing your median nerve to relieve pressure. 

To learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome or to get the care you need, call Northland Orthopedic & Sports Medicine or request a virtual appointment through our website today.