According to the American Physical Therapy Association, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) affects more than five million Americans.

In order to prevent CTS it’s important to understand what causes this painful syndrome.  In Part 1 we looked at 4 of the 7 major causes, which you can review.

Below we continue this discussion by looking at the final three major CTS causes:

5. Genetics

A proportion of people with CTS have a family history of physical characteristics known to be associated with CTS.

The most prominent is defect in collagen production, which forms the connective tissue between bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The defective collagen is less supple, and this can lead to stress in and around the tendon, which causes inflammation and ultimately pressure on the median nerve.

6. Direct Compression, Vibration, and Temperature

Many occupations cause repetitive stress injuries that involve direct compression upon the carpal tunnel.

This is the problem with using the computer keyboard and mouse. One of the worst motions you can perform for your hands is to rest your wrist on a mouse while you reach for the click button.

This puts direct pressure on the area of the carpal tunnel. Prolonging such posture will result in median nerve compression. This is identical to anyone who rests their wrists on a keyboard wrist pad or on a tabletop. Thus, proper posture at the keyboard is crucial.

Another factor common to certain occupations is vibration. Workers who use vibrating tools such as chainsaws, jackhammers, grinders, air tools, and electric hand tools are at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Vibration inhibits blood flow to the nerves and other tissues of the hand and causes a type of repetitive strain injury sometimes called “vibration syndrome”.

Also, people who work outdoors or in cold environments tend to be more prone to getting carpal tunnel syndrome. The lower temperature causes a reduction in blood flow, and over long periods of time the cold inhibits the tissues in the wrist and forearm from recovering from micro-tears acquired with repetitive stress.

7. Spinal Subluxations

You might not be aware that a misalignment of the spinal vertebrae, particularly of the lower cervical spine, known as spinal subluxations, can actually produce the symptoms of CTS.

These suluxations cause swelling in the nerves leading to, and delivering sensations from, the hand. Therefore, while the carpal tunnel itself may be perfectly normal, an irritated nerve near the spine can make it seem as though the pain is originating from the hand and wrist.

Additionally, such irritation of the nerves leading to the hand can also produce inflammation on the muscles and tissues they supply throughout the length of the arm. This then may cause the muscles and tendons to become hypersensitive and, in turn, produce abnormal tensions in the forearm.

Source: carpalrx.com

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) affects more than five million Americans.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow space between the wrist bone and the fibrous tissue that supports the wrist joint. Threading through this tight space is the median nerve, which can easily become inflamed with repetitive stress to the area.

You may be unaware of the many different causes there are for CTS. We will explore seven of the top causes in a 2-part series.

1. Tendon Inflammation

This is the most prevalent underlying causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). The flexor tendons are located on the palm side of the hand, and can become inflamed by any one of a number of different factors., the most common being overuse or repetitive strain of the hand and wrist.

The inflammation produces lubricant that is viscous. This causes more friction around the tendons as the wrist flexes and extends, which in turn produces even more inflammation and swelling. Finally, the swollen tendon exerts pressure on the adjacent median nerve causing symptoms CTS.

 2. Structural

Wrist fractures that have improperly aligned or healed changes the arrangement of the carpal bone. This can also occur from callous formations resulting from long term physical stress. Some pathologies like tumors can cause similar changes to a bone’s anatomy producing the same results.

The misalignment causes what is known as the transverse carpal ligament to become taught, exerting pressure on the carpal tunnel, producing internal pressure directly on the median nerve. It also results in decreasing the volume of the carpal tunnel, causing the components inside the carpal tunnel (including the median nerve) to become squeezed.

Finally, there can be misalignment of carpal bones caused by myofascial syndrome, a dysfunction of the tissues around the muscles and fascia of the forearm and hand. These tissues become shorter and tighter, pulling on their attachment points on the carpal bones and producing misalignment.

3. Nerve Damaging and Inflammatory Conditions

Chronic conditions  such as alcoholism and diabetes are associated with increased risk of CTS. These illnesses directly damage the nervous system, including the median nerve.

Other conditions indirectly damage the median nerve by producing inflammation which is transmitted to the wrist joint. Examples are infections and rheumatoid arthritis which can disturb the normal functioning of wrist tendons, resulting in excessive pressure on the median nerve.

4. Body Fluid Imbalance

Particular conditions such as pregnancy, obesity, menopause, kidney failure, and thyroid disorder can cause changes in levels of body fluids. When the fluids are accumulate in the joints such as the wrist, pressure increases inside the carpal tunnel, exerting pressure on the median nerve.

Source: carpalrx.com

Getting creative  managing Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs as they’re known, is a way to help you live the best life possible, despite challenges with arthritis.

Occupational therapist Tammy Williams recommends these items that will assist you in performing many daily tasks that might seem simple, but have become more difficult and painful due to arthritis.

1. Shirt Buttoner 

To protect finger joints, avoid pinching fingers tightly as you would do with buttoning a shirt. Handy gadgets such as this button aid will help you grasp the buttons on your clothes. Clothes with easy-to-use fasteners such as large buttons, hooks or zippers are  recommended.

2. Cutlery 

Getting a grip on slender cutlery handles is made easier with this custom made cutlery grip.

3. Shopping Bag

Carrying a heavy shopping bag is far easier with this gadget.

4. Kettle Stand

Avoid picking up a heavy kettle to make a cup of tea. This handy kettle stand will carry all the weight of the kettle.

5. Faucets

Don’t strain your hands trying to turn on a water tap. This gadget will help you open and close it with less strain.

6. Plastic Mat

Place a plastic mat on your kitchen counter to help you when cooking or baking. Now you don’t have to hold onto a bowl while you stir something. It can also be placed into your kitchen sink while washing dishes.

7. Plugs

Remove a plug from a socket with this handy plastic gadget. You can make your own from any strong plastic material such as the lid of an ice-cream tub.

Source: Health24

Using advanced tools such as MRIs researchers are finding that writing by hand is more than just a way to communicate, writes journalist Gwendolyn Bounds in the Wall Street Journal.

Studies, says Bounds, suggest there’s real value in learning and maintaining this skill, even as we increasingly communicate electronically via keyboards.

The practice helps with learning letters and shapes, can improve idea composition and expression, and may aid fine motor-skill development. 

It’s not just children who benefit. Some physicians say handwriting could be a good cognitive exercise for baby boomers working to keep their minds sharp as they age.

Recent research illustrates how writing by hand engages the brain in learning. For instance, in a 2008 study in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, adults were asked to distinguish between new characters and a mirror image of them, after producing the characters using pen-and-paper writing and a computer keyboard.

The result: For those writing by hand, there was stronger and longer-lasting recognition of the characters’ proper orientation, suggesting that the specific movements memorized when learning how to write aided the visual identification of graphic shapes.

Other research highlights the hand’s unique relationship with the brain when it comes to composing thoughts and ideas. Virginia Berninger, a professor of educational psychology at the University of Washington, says handwriting differs from typing because it requires executing sequential strokes to form a letter, whereas keyboarding involves selecting a whole letter by touching a key.

She says pictures of the brain have illustrated that sequential finger movements activated massive regions involved in thinking, language and working memory—the system for temporarily storing and managing information.

Even in the digital age, people remain enthralled by handwriting for myriad reasons—the intimacy implied by a loved one’s script, or what the slant and shape of letters might reveal about personality.

Some doctors treating neurological disorders say handwriting can be an early diagnostic tool.

“As more people lose writing skills and migrate to the computer, retraining people in handwriting skills could be a useful cognitive exercise,” says P. Murali Doraiswamy, a neuroscientist at Duke University.

In high schools, where laptops are increasingly used, handwriting still matters. In the essay section of SAT college-entrance exams, scorers unable to read a student’s writing can assign that portion an “illegible” score of 0.

Even legible handwriting that’s messy can have its own ramifications, says Steve Graham, professor of education at Vanderbilt University. People judge the quality of your ideas based on your handwriting.”

“You still need to be able to write, and someone needs to be able to read it.”

Source: Wall Street Journal

No matter what a business is, whether it’s office or manufacturing, the fact remains that over the long-term employees can only be as good as the environment in which they work.

Ross Townshend, an ergonomics expert for Bosch Rexroth, has written an insightful article discussing easy ideas on how to fully implement an ergonomic solution in any workplace.

In Part 1 we looked at Body and Working Height, Work Area, and Reach Zones. We’ll finish up ideas 4-7 here in Part 2.

4: Parts presentation

The presentation of parts to the operator is essential in minimizing physical exertion and unnecessary movements that would cause repetitive stress injury. The key issues that need addressing are:

1. Frequently used grab containers should be placed at short distances
2. Heavy parts should be stored within easy reach in lower containers
3. Where possible use a slide rail or roller conveyor to minimize employee exertion

5: Range of vision

Each head turn or change in line of sight, results in lost time and decreases productivity. For the optimal workstation design, it is important to address every detail, including head and eye movement. Key vision issues for workstation planning are:

1. Avoid unnecessary eye and head movements
2. Vision distances should be as identical as possible to eliminate refocusing
3. Avoid fastening locations not visible to the operator

6: Lighting

The correct light, adapted to the activity of the workstation, is a basic prerequisite for high efficiency and quality. It’s therefore important to:

1. Avoid strong lighting contrasts
2. Avoid glare and reflection
3. Ensure all workstations are free from shadows, flickering and glare

7: Adjustment of work equipment

To maintain performance levels and promote productivity, the correct adjustment of a table, chair, footrest and position of tools and material shuttles must be adjustable. easily achieved.

The correct sitting posture is vital with worker’s calves forming a 90-degree angle with appropriate lumbar support.

As Townshend points out, ergonomics starts with the design of the workplace, not hap-hazard adjustment of equipment after the fact – which will always be a compromise.

Source: Bosch Rexroth

A recent study has shown that 25 percent of workers complain of backache, 23 percent of muscular pains and 46 percent report working in painful or tiring positions as a direct result of poorly designed workstations.

With statistics like these, it’s no surprise that the study of ergonomics is becoming increasingly important.

Done well, ergonomic design can increase motivation and satisfaction, and that results in benefits in performance and productivity. It can also help prevent repetitive stress injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even arthritis.

Ross Townshend, an ergonomics expert for Bosch Rexroth, has written an insightful article discussing easy ideas on how to fully implement an ergonomic solution in any workplace.  He lists seven key factors and in Part 1 we’ll look at the first three:

1: Body and working height

Working at the wrong height can lead to a hunched posture, craned neck and strained eyes. Manual workstations must accommodate a wide range of body heights to ensure that a tailored, rather than a one-size-fits-all, approach is taken.

The most important factors in the design of work stations are the working height, proper sizing of reach zones, leg room and range of vision.

It’s vital that operators have the opportunity to either sit down or stand up at their workstation, which promotes changes in posture, reducing stress and increasing performance.

2: Work area

Ergonomically designed stations reduce the risk of injury by adapting to fit the person instead of the other way around. No two workstations will be alike so it’s imperative to find the correct working method for each individual to achieve the best results. Within the work area the following rules must be observed:

1. Avoid work above the heart
2. Promote dynamic activities by avoiding standing still or static holding which inhibits circulation and oxygen supply to muscles
3. Allow for varying physical exertion through use of stand-up, sit-down or job rotation

3: Reach zones

There are three key rules to follow when designing an employee’s reach zone at their workstation:

1. All containers, equipment and operating elements must be easily accessible and arranged in the optimum anatomic/physiological range for employees
2. Torso rotation and shoulder movements, particularly when under exertion (with heavy weights) should be avoided whenever possible

In 6 Arthritis Myths Busted – Part 1 we looked at 3 common myths about arthritis that persist. Below, in Part 2, we explore three more myths that seem to have taken on a life of their own. And we bust them.

Myth #4. There is only one kind of arthritis.

Truth: As people have become savvy about cancer, the misunderstanding that “cancer is cancer” is dropping by the wayside. Today most people realize that cancer comes in different forms. The same is true for arthritis.

When someone says “I have arthritis,” that could mean any number of types of this common disease. Arthritis can be an autoimmune disease such as Rheumatioid Arthritis; caused by an infection of a virus, a bacteria, even a fungus; an accumulation of crystals that shows up as gout (yes, that’s also a type of arthritis), or any number of a hundred other disease types of arthritis.

A take-away from busting this myth is that if you suspect you have “arthritis” – please go get checked by your physician so you can learn what type of arthritis you have. That is the only way to create a plan of care that is appropriate and that will be useful.

Myth #5. If I have arthritis I can’t exercise.

Truth: This is a huge myth and perpetuating it causes harm as it prevents arthritis sufferers from incorporating a very useful “treatment” into their plan of care. The cause of this myth is the fear that exercise will cause more pain.

The right kinds of exercise will do just the opposite. Not exercising will cause joints to continue to deteriorate. Low-impact exercises and range-of-motion exercise regimes help strengthen the muscles around the joints, helping them resist wear and tear.

You can do low-impact aerobics in a swimming pool, discover how yoga easily increases your range of motion, or take a look at Tai Chi for Arthritis. http://ugleepen.wordpress.com/2011/01/22/tai-chi-for-arthritis/

Myth #6: I’m the only one with arthritis.

Truth: It’s easy to feel alone and isolated when you are dealing with chronic pain, and the effects that has on your activities of daily living. However, as was mentioned in 6 Arthritis Myths Busted – Part 1 – arthritis is a very common disease, and current estimates have it at affecting over 50 million American adults.

Juvenile arthritis currently affects over 350,000 children in the U.S. under the age of 18. And Americans spend more than $130 billion annually on treatments for arthritis.

This blog has many articles written about arthritis. Take a look and you will probably find one that answers a lot of your questions, and you’ll also find that you are not alone in your arthritis fight.

Arthritis is a common disease that affects over 50 million people in the U.S. Although more women are diagnosed than men it’s not by a very big margin, and this disease doesn’t discriminate based on age – over 300,000 children under the age of 18 are afflicted in the U.S.

Despite the prevalence of arthritis, there are also a number of prevailing myths about the disease. We’re going to bust those myths in a 2-part series.  Below – Myths 1-3.

Myth 1: Arthritis is not really a serious disease.

Truth: When left untreated, arthritis can severely interfere with Activities of Daily Living. This means that you might not be able to perform even the simplest of everyday tasks.

In addition, certain types of arthritis, such as inflammatory and rheumatoid, can cause internal organ failure, including your heart.  To say nothing of causing depression.

Myth 2: Everyone eventually gets arthritis.

Truth: Arthritis isn’t inevitable, like gray hair, nor is it catching. It is a disease that some people get, and some people don’t.  A number of factors usually combine to create a predilection for the disease, including heredity, weight, and previous injury.

While nothing can be done about your genes, there are still things within your control that can help strengthen your immune system and keep your body as fit as possible.

Taking measures now can help your body later. Do strengthening exercises for muscles around joints, especially the knee; and help prevent the inflammatory disease process by eating these healthy – and delicious –  anti-inflammatory foods.

Myth 3: A few extra pounds only affect my hips and knees.

Truth: While extra weight does put a strain on weight bearing joints, such as the knee and the hip, excess weight will also affect non-weight-bearing joints.

Studies have shown that fat releases chemicals throughout the body that can damage cartilage in both types of joints, causing the cartilage to wear out faster.

“Making sure people are factored into the ergonomic design equation.” That statement sure got my attention.  It was said by Josh Kersh, Vice President of Humantech, Inc.

Humantech is a company that is on the leading edge of promoting ergonomic design in the workplace.  I had written about this company and their Applied Ergonomics Semiars in February.

As I had previously mentioned, I’m interested in this company because it believes that “people make productivity happen, and that starts with the science of ergonomics.”

Too often in this day and age of bean counters and bottom-line generals the needs of the employed workers are ignored.  Ironically, that attitude can contribute to economic shortfalls for the company as repetitive stress injuries from poor ergonomics create problems.

A happy employee is a productive employee, as anyone with common sense knows. When the workplace is designed to support the employee by meeting ergonomic factors, the employee will spend his or her time at work comfortably, safely, and relaxed, and the productivity and profits of the company will increase in measurable amounts.

Humantech is now offering a free e-book by which businesses can learn to integrate ergonomic design to improve the way people work at their company.

“Engineering design is a strong determinant of workplace ergonomics. Efficient and effective design approaches add extreme value to a business by engaging the workforce and improving the company’s productivity and bottom line,” explains Kersh.

As Humantech’s web site explaines, unfortunately and far too often, ergonomics is not managed as an engineering function and therefore gets overlooked at critical stages of the design process.

Humantech’s complimentary e-book walks business owners through six simple practices for companies of all sizes and industries.

“Companies face competing priorities when it comes to the new design of tools, equipment and products.  Following these six steps will ensure that your people are factored into the design equation,” said Kersh.

Source: Humantech

Welcome to the Ultimate Blog Party, hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom! Participating bloggers (that’s me!) are encouraged to post a party on their site, and part of my party is a giveaway for you!

Just follow the instructions below to enter to win a FREE 3 pack of scientifically-designed ergonomic UGLee Pens plus a FREE 10-pack of Ink Refills!  A $34.99 value!

Let me introduce myself, I’m Dr. James Lee and I invented the ergonomic pen I call the UGLee Pen! (Ultimate Grip Lee Pen is how I came up with the name.) I created this pen out of my own need for comfort writing. After taking 20 pages of hand written notes a day in medical school, my hand was always in pain.

I searched for years to find a comfortable ergonomic pen and could not find one. And, believe me, I bought every one on the market I could, no matter the cost. Nothing worked – so I had to create my own!

The really great thing about my pen is that it’s good for everyone, whether you currently have writing pain or not, and it’s especially good for those with tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis.

My pen is also a big advantage for children who are just learning to write, and students who have to take lots of notes and do lots of homework. (While you’re here you can browse through my blog for interesting articles on these subjects.)

Here’s how to enter:
Browse my web site at www.ugleepen.com to learn about the features of my pen, you can even watch the videos if you like, then leave a comment on my blog below telling me something you learned about the UGLee Pen that you didn’t know before.

Want extra entries into the contest? Do the following!

• Follow me on Twitter and send me an @ugleepen message there telling me your favorite feature of the UGLee Pen and/or
• Become a Facebook Fan and post on our wall what your favorite thing about the UGLee Pen is.

Make sure I have a way to reach you, by either enabling your email through WordPress, or leaving your email in the comment. One winner will be chosen at random by using random.org.

The contest ends April 12th at 11:59 EDT. I will announce the winner Monday April 15th. The winner has 72 hours to contact me, or another winner will be chosen. Good Luck! Have Fun! Let’s Party!

And, don’t forget to head over to the Ultimate Blog Party (#UBP13) on the 5 Minutes for Mom web site! Besides having links to lots of great blogs, the list of giveaways is even bigger and better this year! Including another chance for you to win your own set of UGLee Pens and Ink Refills! Let’s Party!!