Common Myths About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Chances are, either you or a family member will develop carpal tunnel syndrome at some point in your life, but as common as the condition is, there are still some misconceptions floating around about it.

Because it is so common in typists, carpal tunnel syndrome has become known as an office-workers' problem. Indeed, the condition is very common in people who spend their days at a keyboard. However, you're definitely not immune to carpal tunnel just because you don't have an office job. 

Any activity that requires repeated wrist motions can lead to inflammation and pressure on the median nerve, resulting in carpal tunnel. Carpenters can develop carpal tunnel from using hand or power tools. Musicians can develop the condition from playing the piano or other instruments. Assembly line workers can develop carpal tunnel from screwing together parts day after day and performing other similar actions that repeatedly use your wrist and hand.

Once you have carpal tunnel, you're stuck with it for life unless you have surgery, right? Wrong. If carpal tunnel is caught early, it can usually be treated with simple remedies such as icing your wrist several times per day, wearing a splint, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate inflammation. 

Surgery is generally only recommended when the damage to your median nerve is severe. If you take action at the first sign of carpal tunnel, the condition should not progress to this point.

You may have had friends advise you to quit your job as an office worker, carpenter, line worker, or such since your job caused your carpal tunnel syndrome. However, this is not usually necessary. There are plenty of steps you can take to manage your carpal tunnel without having to quit your job or change industries.

Start by seeing a physical therapist. Strengthening your wrists and forearms will protect you from worsening carpal tunnel symptoms as you continue working. Wear a splint to keep your wrist properly aligned while you are working, and minimize wrist-straining activities — like typing — when you are not at work.

If you continue to struggle with carpal tunnel, then you may want to consider a career change — but don't jump to that step first because it's not usually necessary.

Carpal tunnel is often framed as a mechanical health problem — and it is — but that does not mean it's unaffected by your overall health. Various systemic health conditions can affect your risk of carpal tunnel.

Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and high blood pressure all affect your body's inflammatory response, making carpal tunnel more likely. Some women also experience carpal tunnel during pregnancy since changes in hormone levels cause them to retain fluid and experience more inflammation.

If you do suffer from a chronic health condition, such as those mentioned above, working with your doctor to make sure your symptoms are well-managed will reduce your risk of developing carpal tunnel. And if you already have carpal tunnel, better managing your other underlying health problems can help keep it from worsening.