How to Avoid Repetitive Strain Injuries Like Carpal Tunnel

We have all heard of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and are aware that one of the big causes of this ailment is overuse of the computer. What many of us are unaware of is that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is considered one of several Repetitive Strain Injuries. The term 'Repetitive Strain Injury' is not commonly used, and it is certainly avoided like the plague in any kind of office setting. Why? Because the word 'injury' implies that the damage was caused by work. If we stick with a term like 'syndrome' the implication is that this is some sort of genetic disposition or a general weakness in the patient - rather than something that was caused by simply doing their job. In other words, the word 'injury' is not used in the hopes of avoiding potential lawsuits.

Another Repetitive Strain Injury that is afflicting many computer users is tendonosis. Note the spelling. Not tendonitis. Tendonitis is caused by a single tear to the tendon - generally it is a larger tear, and it happens all at once, such as during a sporting event. Tendonosis, on the other hand, occurs when the damage is done tiny tear by tiny tear. Both of these injuries produce basically the same symptoms, and tendonosis is frequently misdiagnosed as tendonitis. Unfortunately, the treatment for tendonitis can actually slow the repairs needed for tendonosis.

There are other Repetitive Strain Injuries to be considered for those who spend many hours per day on a computer, and these can be avoided by first of all, taking regular breaks from computer use. Erect posture also helps to reduce the risk of injury, as does adjusting the height of the chair so that the thighs are parallel to the floor when the feet are touching the floor. Arm support and desk height should also be adjusted so that the forearms are parallel to the floor. Wrist-pads, once thought to be helpful in avoiding Repetitive Strain Injuries, are actually doing more harm to the wrist than good, and should be avoided. A newer concept, and one that is showing promise, is the arm board. This board supports the forearm and not only helps to alleviate the potential wrist damage, but it also helps to prevent pain in the neck and shoulders.