e to the development of CTS, including computer games, sports, and card playing.Even though the increased number of people using computer keyboards has provoked much publicity about their risk for CTS, it is actually lower than those in occupations involving heavy labor. The force of the movement may be a particular factor for CTS in typists. On study observed that typists with CTS struck the keys with greater force than those without the disorder. Some workers may not even be aware of the amount of force they exert while performing their jobs. For example, "to type 60 words per minute for eight hours equals a 10 mile run on your fingers" (Stotko, 1996). Many reports indicate that women have a significantly higher risk for CTS than men do. The explanation for the greater risk is unknown. The hand intensive nature of housework and typing may contribute to a higher incidence in women. Hormonal changes appear to play a major role as evidenced by an increased incidence in CTS symptoms while taking oral contraceptives and during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and menopause. In one study of pregnant women with CTS, the condition developed at any point during pregnancy; no single trimester posed a higher risk than others. (Brown, p. 99)In the study by Dr P. Shellito, his report indicated that obesity is highly linked with CTS. CTS is also more common in those with square wrists than in those with the more common rectangular wrists. A square wrist is when the thickness and width are about the same. There has been some suggestion that the size of the carpal tunnel may play a role in the disorder, but there has not been any difference between women who had CTS and those who did not have it. Some researchers claim that poor upper back strength makes people more susceptible to injuries in the upper extremities, including CTS. Cigarette smoking, poor nutrition, previous injuries, and stress can increase one's risk for CTS. CTS can range from a m...
