Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Prevention
How can carpal tunnel syndrome be prevented?
At the workplace, workers can do on-the-job conditioning, perform stretching exercises, take frequent rest breaks, wear splints to keep wrists straight, and use correct posture and wrist position. Wearing fingerless gloves can help keep hands warm and flexible. Workstations, tools and tool handles, and tasks can be redesigned to enable the worker’s wrist to maintain a natural position during work. Jobs can be rotated among workers. Employers can develop programs in ergonomics, the process of adapting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of workers. However, research has not conclusively shown that these workplace changes prevent the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome.
What research is being done?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a part of the National Institutes of Health, is the federal government’s leading supporter of biomedical research on neuropathy, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Scientists are studying the chronology of events that occur with carpal tunnel syndrome in order to better understand, treat, and prevent this ailment. By determining distinct biomechanical factors related to pain, such as specific joint angles, motions, force, and progression over time, researchers are finding new ways to limit or prevent carpal tunnel syndrome in the workplace and decrease other costly and disabling occupational illnesses.
Percutaneous balloon carpal tunnel-plasty is an experimental technique that can ease carpal tunnel pain without cutting the carpal ligament. In this procedure, a ¼-inch cut is made at the base of the palm. The doctor then inserts a balloon through a catheter under the carpal ligament and inflates the balloon to stretch the ligament and free the nerve. Patients in one small study of pertucaneous balloon carpal tunnel-plasty reported relief of symptoms with no postoperative complications; most of them were back to work within 2 two weeks. This experimental technique is not yet widely available.
Randomized clinical trials are being designed to evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions in reducing the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome and upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders. Data to be collected from an NINDS-sponsored clinical study of carpal tunnel syndrome among construction apprentices will provide a better understanding of the specific work factors associated with the disorder, furnish pilot data for planning future projects to study its natural history, and assist in developing strategies to prevent its occurrence among construction and other workers. Other research will discern differences between the relatively new carpal compression test (in which the examiner applies moderate pressure with both thumbs directly on the carpal tunnel and underlying median nerve, at the transverse carpal ligament) and the pressure provocative test (in which a cuff placed at the anterior of the carpal tunnel is inflated, followed by direct pressure on the median nerve) in predicting carpal tunnel syndrome. Scientists are also investigating the use of alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, to prevent and treat this disorder.
Where can I get more information?
| American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons/ American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons 6300 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018 |
American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)
P.O. Box 850, Rocklin, CA 95677-0850 |
| National Chronic Pain Outreach Association (NCPOA)
P.O. Box 274, Millboro, VA 24460 |
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) National Institutes of Health, DHHS |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
U.S. Department of Labor |
