The first signs of CTS might include pain in the hand and affected wrist. The pain associated with these beginning stages will subside with rest but recur when repetitive tasks are resumed. Tingling and altered sensation of touch in the fingers, weakness of the affected hand and possible loss of muscle strength may also occur. The onset of CTS pain frequently comes in the middle of the night. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is relatively common in today's workplace and can affect either one or both hands.
Research indicates it is two to five times more prevalent in women than in men.
According to one estimate, those involved in production word processing can make up to 23,000 repetitive keystrokes per hour. Typing at an average of only 40 words per minute will cause repetitive motion of the affected area of the arm and wrist at about 12,000 keystrokes per hour. This type of repetitive motion can result in a range of crippling hand disorders from tenosynovitis to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Awareness can be one of the best strategies to prevent repetitive strain injuries in the workplace. Ongoing training of instructors, staff and supervisors to recognize and prevent the problem of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can do a great deal to minimize the number of injuries.