According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, women are three times more likely to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome than men, making even the most basic repetitive tasks like typing, using a computer, chopping vegetables and gardening painful. The associated pain or numbness in the hands and wrist that can radiate up the arm and hinder the ability to work is caused by the median or ulnar nerves in the wrist becoming compressed by repetitive motion. The good news is, the pain associated with carpel tunnel can be relieved without surgery. A good fitting wrist brace and a simple exercise, holding the arm out straight and flexing the hand at the wrist, can relieve the pressure on the nerve.
Testing for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There are two definitive tests that physicians use to diagnose carpal tunnel: Tinel’s and Phalen’s.
- The Tinel’s Test. If tapping on the underside of the wrist causes shooting pains in the hand, it is considered positive.
- The Phalen’s Test. If the hands feel heavy, tingling, burning, or numb when holding both wrists in a back-to-back position in front of the body, with the wrists bent at 90 degrees for 90 seconds, it is considered positive.
Carpal tunnel is sometimes mistaken for thoracic outlet syndrome. The tightness, soreness and restrictions in the neck, shoulder, chest muscles and/or a slight shift in one of the ribs – often attributed to thoracic outlet syndrome – can actually result in symptoms much like carpal tunnel. The good news is that easing the symptoms of both carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome may be accomplished with a correctly fitting wrist support.
Wrists are not one-size-fits-all. Women’s wrists are, on average, 10 percent narrower than men’s, so it’s important their wrist support is made just for them. The Wellgate for Women Perfect Fit Wrist Support, for example, helps to ease the painful symptoms of carpal tunnel, tendonitis, arthritis and sprains by keeping the wrist in a neutral position to relieve pressure on the median and ulnar nerves during the day and at night.
The American Physical Therapy Association offers these tips for women to limit their chances of getting carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Consider using a wrist brace at night and when playing sports to support the wrist in a neutral position.
- Take frequent breaks from activities that require repetitive motion, even cooking tasks.
- Move only your fingers and keep your wrists straight when typing.
- When typing, make sure your spine is flush with the chair back, your shoulders are relaxed, and your feet are flat on the floor.
- Keep your computer monitor at eye level.
Women should not just assume they have to live with pain.
About the Author
Dr. Holly Herman has been a physical therapist for more than 43 years, with a full-time private practice in Cambridge, MA. Dr. Herman provides expert care for women and men seeking careful, considerate diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic and other medical conditions. She is dedicated to training physical therapy and other healthcare professionals worldwide.
