1. Avoiding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome By Kathy Ames

2. About me...  From Hampton, VA  Instructor at VWC since 1984

3. What is carpal tunnel syndrome?  Carpal tunnel syndrome is an RSI - “repetitive strain injury”  Excessive computer use is often blamed for RSIs of the back, neck, shoulders, and wrists  Carpal tunnel syndrome is an RSI of the wrist

4. What exactly is the carpal tunnel?  An opening through the wrist surrounded by bones and ligaments  Tendons and nerves run from the arm through this tunnel to the hand

5. What causes the “syndrome”?  Overuse of fingers/hands can irritate the tendons in the tunnel  Irritated tendons become inflamed, reducing space in the tunnel for nerves  Resulting nerve compression causes pain and numbness in hand  Click here for diagram Click here for diagram

6. How can ergonomics help?  Ergonomics is the science that involves adapting the work environment in an effort to eliminate discomfort, injury, and stress  Ergonomics includes: – Modified work habits – Modified equipment

7. Simple Suggestions  Don’t bend hand at awkward angles for key combinations - use two hands  Don’t rest wrists on wrist pad  Tilt keyboard downward  Stretch hands often in “prayer position”

8. Alternate Keyboards and Mice Dvorak Keyboard

9. Already Experiencing Pain?  STOP each typing session ten minutes before pain starts!  See a doctor!

10. Follow these suggestions before your wrist pain becomes a chronic problem! Be Kind to your Wrists!

11. Bibliography  MMG – Patient Education Carpal Tunnel Syndrome http://www.medicalmultimediagroup.com/pate d/ctd/cts/cts.html MMG – Patient Education Carpal Tunnel Syndrome http://www.medicalmultimediagroup.com/pate d/ctd/cts/cts.html  Harvard RSI Action Home Page www.rsi.deas.harvard.edu Harvard RSI Action Home Page www.rsi.deas.harvard.edu  Introducing the Dvorak Keyboard www.mwbrooks.com/dvorak Introducing the Dvorak Keyboard www.mwbrooks.com/dvorak