Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a potential problem for future generations due to increasing computer and tablet use at home and demands of computer skills in education and jobs. CTS can be caused by repetitive motions like typing, yard work, using power tools, chopping food, and excessive video game controller use, which put strain on the wrist. One in ten Americans are diagnosed with CTS each year, with women being three times more likely than men to have CTS. Ninety-six percent of Americans use computers daily at work.

1. CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
A Modern Problem
Dangerous Trends
Education systems and the job market demand that the
average person be able to use a computer well. That,
combined with increasing use of computers and tablets at
home could mean Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) a
potential problem for future tech-savvy generations.
WHAT COULD CAUSE CTS?
And Keeping Your Hands Healthy
A typing
speed of 40
words per
minute
results in
your fingers
depressing
16 tons of
force each
day.
Yardwork,
like
pulling weeds
with your
hands may
bring about
symptoms of
CTS,
especially in
the elderly.
Power tools
that vibrate
or shake
with use may
cause CTS
without
careful use.
Repetitive
actions like
chopping or
stirring food
can strain the
wrist may
lead to CTS.
Excessive
video games
or agressive
controller
use can lead
to CTS;
Limiting
playtime can
help mitigate
the effects.
1 in 10
BY THE NUMBERS
One in ten Americans
are diagnosed with
CTS each year.
96% 96 percent of Ameri-cans
use the computer
every day at work.
300% Women are three
times more likely to
have CTS than men.
Sources
http://www.repetitive-strain.com/national.html
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6049a4.htm
http://painfreehands.com/procedure/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/