Caregivers and Carpal Tunnel: Promoting Early Prevention 

 
Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, is one of the most commonly diagnosed occupational disorders in the United States. Caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs the length of the arm to the hand, it affects nearly 3 percent of all Americans and accounts for more missed work days than the total number of non-fatal injury and illness cases combined.

Symptoms of CTS can range from mild tingling or numbness in the hand or wrist to acute pain and inflammation, and if left untreated CTS may cause permanent muscle weakness and a loss of sensation. Because more than half of all cases of CTS eventually require surgery, early intervention is crucial to helping prevent the onset of carpal tunnel symptoms.

Improving Patient Outcomes through Education
Caregivers have a limited window of opportunity to implement preventive strategies before the actual symptoms of carpal tunnel appear. As a healthcare professional, you must act quickly and aggressively to reduce factors that put individuals at risk for CTS. Educating patients about good ergonomic posture, movement, and general health is a step in the right direction. With CTS, as with many other disorders, prevention begins by taking steps to improve overall health. This involves making the necessary diet and lifestyle changes proven to support optimal well being, including:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Reducing stress
• Avoiding smoking

CTS Prevention Strategies
In addition to adopting healthier living habits, there are several CTS-specific prevention strategies caregivers can recommend. They are:

• Avoid prolonged periods of stressful or repetitive wrist or arm motion;
• Avoid prolonged pressure to the wrist area (such as resting wrist on a keyboard);
• Avoid working in cold environments that require flexion and frequent use of hands. If unavoidable, wear fingerless gloves to help keep hands warm and flexible;
• Stop any activity that causes numbness or tingling in the hands or fingers;
• Avoid sleeping with wrists flexed or bent in an awkward position;
• At work, practice stretches and flexion exercises during breaks;
• When necessary, use a wrist splint to reduce flexion; and
• Restrict your salt intake if you tend to retain fluid;

The Importance of Being Proactive
As healthcare professionals we have an opportunity to educate and support prevention efforts for occupational-related injuries, but all too often we don’t think about carpal tunnel until the symptoms appear. Still, CTS can be prevented, and early intervention is often linked to positive patient outcomes.