Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Protect yourself from the pain and disability that can occur when you use improperly designed computer equipment.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a seriously debilitating condition if left untreated. The information below is taken from the Mayo Clinic web site.

Carpal tunnel syndrome typically starts gradually with a vague aching in your wrist that can extend to your hand or forearm. Other common carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include:

  • Tingling or numbness in your fingers or hand, especially your thumb, index, middle or ring fingers, but not your little finger. This sensation often occurs while driving a vehicle or holding a phone or a newspaper or upon awakening. Many people "shake out" their hands to relieve their symptoms.

  • Pain radiating or extending from your wrist up your arm to your shoulder or down into your palm or fingers, especially after forceful or repetitive use. This usually occurs on palm side of your forearm.

  • A sense of weakness in your hands and a tendency to drop objects.

  • A constant loss of feeling in some fingers. This can occur if the condition is advanced.

One of the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome can be the computer mouse you are using. An ergonomically correct mouse can make all the difference in your health.

In addition, consider an ergonomic keyboard. Some of them take some getting used to, but they are well worth the effort.

If you're having shoulder or lower back pain, take a good look at the chair you're sitting in at your workstation. If it's not the proper height, or does not have the necessary support you need, it could be causing you pain.

Many employers will pay for the cost of ergonomic office equipment, realizing that they'll make up the money spent with less absenteeism and happier, more productive employees. It's worth approaching your employer about this if you're having health problems in your workplace. There are also federal laws about this that you may want to check into.

If you're working from a home office, it's easy to skimp on office equipment, but you'll be most productive if you go ahead and spend the money to get proper computer accessories. Your back, shoulders, neck, arms and hands will all thank you!