Most people in Minnesota have likely heard of carpal tunnel syndrome before but may not fully understand it. How well do you know what carpal tunnel syndrome actually is? How well do you know what can increase your chances of developing this painful condition? According to Balance Systems, Inc ., a company that specializing in research for rehabilitative technology, anyone truly can develop carpal tunnel syndrome. That includes you.
The carpal tunnel is essentially an area between your wrist and your hand in which nerves and tendons exist. Damage to these can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and more throughout the wrist region. The time away from work, need for treatment, and required changes to job duties due to carpal tunnel syndrome are believed to cost the nation over $100 billion each year. The explosion of computers, video games and texting has exacerbated the problem.
While anyone can develop carpal tunnel, people who work in certain jobs are more prone to it than others. Jobs include administrative assistants, professional drivers, data entry clerks, dentists, construction workers, industrial and assembly line workers, and chefs. Each of these jobs requires people to flex fingers with little to no hand movement, putting strain on the carpal tunnel. Vibrating power tools or working positions that put wrists at unnatural angles can also make you more apt to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but general information for Minnesota residents about carpal tunnel syndrome and its risk factors, including specific jobs.
