Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Hand Overuse vs. Genetics
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful progressive condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (not the little finger), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move.
Carpal tunnel syndrome remains poorly understood. Carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive overuse of the hand and wrist are commonly linked, but is that truly a misconception? According to a study presented at the 74th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, genetics may be more strongly related to the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome than repetitive use. Average scores for biological factors which included genetics, race, and age were double the scores attributed to occupational factors (occupation, repetitive use of hand, vibration), using well-established scientific criteria.
What difference does it make to determine the actual cause since the condition must still be treated and managed? David Ring, M.D., senior author of the study, suggests that knowing the actual cause would influence information which doctors provide to patients about carpal tunnel syndrome and may even affect disability claims, personal injury claims, and workers compensation.
Related Resources:
- Guide to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Screening Quiz
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Prevention vs. Surgery
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Photo © A.D.A.M.
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Just wanna share this…
Try this easy exercise to stretch the tendons and ease the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
1. Extend your wrists and fingers outward, ahead of your body, positioning your hands and fingers toward the ceiling, like you are signaling someone to “stop”.
2. Wait five seconds in this position, then relax and straighten both wrists in front of the torso.
3. Keeping the arms straight out front, clench both hands in a fist.
4. Rotate the wrists down to the floor while maintaining a fist and then hold for five seconds.
5. Relax and straighten both wrists and hands into their normal position and repeat the above steps for as many as five to seven more times.