Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site unc.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!mgnetp!ihnp4!zehntel!hplabs!sdcrdcf!sdcsvax!akgua!mcnc!unc!howes From: howes@unc.UUCP (Byron Howes ) Newsgroups: net.med Subject: Re: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ("Hacker's Hand") Message-ID: <7514@unc.UUCP> Date: Thu, 23-Aug-84 00:21:23 EDT Article-I.D.: unc.7514 Posted: Thu Aug 23 00:21:23 1984 Date-Received: Tue, 14-Aug-84 00:42:03 EDT References: <186@wlbr.UUCP> Organization: University of North Carolina Comp. Center Lines: 27 In answer to the question what is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, what causes it and what are its symptoms --- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a tightening of the connective tissue which forms the roof of the Carpal Tunnel in the wrist such that the Median Nerve, the nerve which transmits signals to the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger, is compressed. The symptoms are numbness or pain in those fingers. In extreme cases there can be intense pain and loss of motor control. Notions about what cause it vary, but it can be anything from the beginning stages of arthritis, inflammation after injury to the wrist or genetic predisposition. Treatment is partial immobilization in mild cases, steroid injections into the wrist in more severe cases and surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve. It is apparently a fairly common condition and is an occupational hazard among people who use their hands a great deal in their work. If you use a terminal regularly, make sure that it is at correct typing height and not on your desk or on a desk high table. If you are given to resting your arms on your desk -- don't! The improper backward flex in the wrist over a sufficient length of time may bring on the condition if you are predisposed to it. -- Byron Howes UNC - Chapel Hill ({decvax,akgua}!mcnc!unc!howes)