What is carpal tunnel syndrome and how can I treat it?
In recent years, the value of proper posture in the workplace to reduce strain on the body has been recognized. As employees have become more aware of the damage repetitive tasks — such as using a computer keyboard — can do, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has become a common complaint. Although a multitude of aches and pains in the wrist and forearm are often considered CTS, in order to make the diagnosis it is necessary to demonstrate that the pain in question is resulting from the compression of a nerve that runs through the wrist. “When the median nerve is compressed, the resulting numbness or pain is known as carpal tunnel syndrome,” says Andrew Stein, M.D., a hand surgeon in the department of orthopedics at Boston Medical Center and an assistant professor in MED’s department of orthopedic surgery. “This occurs in a predictable location and is reproducible with a few simple provocative tests in the office.” The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway located on the underside of the wr
