What is a Repetitive Motion Injury
and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?


Tens of thousands of injuries each year are caused by repetitive motions. There are different ways injuries can happen, but they all result from stress or strain imposed on some part of the body from a task’s repetitive nature.This includes typing, computer mouse use and recurring motions such as twisting, turning and grasping.

Repetitive Motion Injuries can be quite painful and become progressively worse without treatment, possibly resulting in complete loss of function in the affected area. Tingling, numbness, or pain in the affected area, and loss of flexibility or strength are common symptoms. Hands, fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders and backs are the most common areas affected.

Tendons connect the muscles to the bones. If movement is repeated too often without rest, the tendons surrounding the muscles can become inflamed and blood flow becomes restricted. When tendons become inflamed, they can press against nerves often resulting in numbness and tingling.


What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common disorders among the repetitive motion injuries. The Carpal Tunnel, at the base of the palm, is a snug canal through which tendons and nerves pass on their way through the wrist from the forearm to the hand and fingers. The nerve that passes through this narrow tunnel to reach the hand is called the median nerve. The Median nerve runs the length of the arm providing motor function to the hand and feeling to the thumb side of the hand including the first three fingers and thumb. If swelling and inflammation from overuse occurs, everything becomes compressed and the median nerve in the carpal tunnel becomes constricted or "pinched". The result is a decrease in nerve transmission to the hand causing numbness and weakness.
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Causes of Repetitive Motion Injuries
and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Repetitive Motion Injuries and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome develop slowly over time. They can be caused by:

• Long periods of steady hand movement doing tasks that are repeated over and over
• Holding the same position for a long time
• Working in an awkward position
• Forceful movements
• Not enough time to rest between repetitive tasks

Am I at Risk?

A sampling of the more common places where Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Repetitive Motion Injuries occur include:

• Graphic Designers from typing and using the computer mouse
• Computer Illustrators
• Programmers
• Other computer users
• Musicians
• Dental Hygienists
• Cashiers
• Work that demands repeated grasping, turning and twisting
• Some sports such as rowing, golf and tennis
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What are the Symptoms?

• Weakness in hands and fingers - dropping objects
• Numbness and tingling in hands and fingers
• Burning in hands and/or wrists
• Pain in wrist sometimes feeling stiff or sprained
• Pain radiating from neck to fingertips or from fingertips to your neck
• Shooting pains from your wrist or hand to your elbow
• Numbness, tingling and sometimes shoulder pain on waking from sleep

If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Your doctor can make a proper diagnosis whether Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Repetitive Motion Strain is the cause. Early treatment is key in preventing further damage.
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Prevention and the Proper Workplace Set-up:

Repetitive Motion Injuries and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be prevented through a proper workplace set-up. Once you make these adjustments to your office or work areas, even if you aren’t feeling symptoms, you’ll notice how much more natural and comfortable you’ll feel while working. You will become more productive and have more energy at the end of the day as your physical stress has been reduced.

While at work:

• Take short, frequent breaks from computer work. Suggested 10-15 minutes break away from the computer for every hour on the computer.
• Get up and move around whenever you feel any symptoms
• Pause periodically to do relaxation exercises
• Give input when your department is purchasing furniture and computer equipment
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Work station layout:

These are guidelines to ergonomically set up your workstation. The best way to know what works for you is by paying attention to the way your body feels. Are you comfortable? Feel physical strain or pain? Remember, pain is the way your body tells you something is wrong.

Computer set-up:

• Adjust your monitor so that the top of the screen is eye level.
• It should be directly in front of you 1.5 – 2 feet from your eyes. Putting the monitor off to the side involves twisting and stress on the neck
• A document holder is recommended to hold papers while you work.
• Position your monitor to avoid glare through lighting and positioning from windows.

• The keyboard should be detached from the monitor preferably on an adjustable tray or stand and level with the floor.
• The keyboard height should allow your elbows to be at your sides, forearms parallel to the floor, and your wrists in a neutral position.
• The mouse needs to be as close as possible and located on the same level as the keyboard
• Thick, soft wrist pads are recommended for proper wrist alignment.

Desk arrangement:

• Make sure your chair is the right height for you.
• It should have firm lumbar/lower back support
• The edge of the seat should be rounded so it doesn’t press on the backs of your thighs.
• Armrests are optional – if you have them, they should be padded
• Your feet should be flat on the floor or on a footrest putting your thighs parallel to the floor, knees at a 90 degree angle.
• There needs to be enough room under your desk for your legs.
• Items on your desk need to be at the proper distance for reaching comfort and not crowded together.