Ergonomic issues—hands and wrists

ERGONOMIC ISSUES-HANDS AND WRISTS Carpal tunnel syndrome 

Early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness or tingling and burning sensations in the fingers. More advanced problems can involve ongoing pain, wasting away of the muscles at the base of the thumb, dry or shiny palms, and clumsiness. The pain is first noticed at night and may be confined to one side of the hand. 

The BLS reported that lost workday cases of carpal tunnel syndrome injuries declined for the third year in a row in 1996, fi om a high of41,000 cases in 1993 to 29,900 in 1996. The report also showed that female workers suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome accounted for 70 percent of lost workdays for this ailment. 

The tendons and sheaths can become inflamed from repetitive use. When the tendons are overstretched or constricted, the chance of pain and injury increases. With further exertion, some of the fibers that make up the tendon can actually fray or tear apart. The tendon becomes thickened, bumpy, or irregular in certain parts of the body, such as the shoulder. The injured area may calcify. Without rest and sufficient time for the tissues to heal, the tendon may be permanently weakened. 

Tenosynovitis is an inflammation or injury to the synovial sheath surrounding the tendon. Synovial fluid is secreted from these sheaths and the lubricant reduces friction during movement. When the hands and wrists are subjected to repetitive motion, an excess of synovial fluid is secreted and the sheath becomes swollen and painful. 

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