OT Advice On How To Avoid Carpal Tunnel Whilst Typing

The mention of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) might take you back to your elementary school days of furiously making friendship bracelets. (Just me?) Or maybe it calls to mind a group of avid knitters locked into a dance of repetitive hand movements. You might even be staring at your computer screen right now wondering if you can get carpal tunnel syndrome from typing. While these things can certainly contribute to this condition that causes hand and wrist pain, it's not the whole story.

The truth is the long-standing narrative about what causes carpal tunnel syndrome is actually more complex than just overusing your hands (or typing a lot). To get the scoop on how you can protect your hands (and their nerves), we had some experts break down exactly what the deal is.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

If you stare at screens and type for a living, the threat of CTS likely lives rent-free in your head. But knowing what this condition actually is—and what it isn't—is a good way to put to rest the worry that comes with every ache and pain in your hands. According to Nadir Mawji, MDT, PT, Ontario-based physiotherapist, carpal tunnel syndrome only occurs when a specific nerve that goes into your hand is compressed. This nerve is called the median nerve. Continue Reading…