to help minimize risk factors predisposing to work related CTS or other cumulative trauma disorders. A patient can learn how to adjust the work area, handle tools, or perform tasks in ways that put less stress on the hands and wrists. Exercise programs to strengthen the fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, shoulders, and neck may help prevent CTS. It should be stressed that there has been no evidence that any of these methods can provide complete protection against CTS. If the underlying cause is a medical condition, controlling the problem can prevent CTS.Ergonomics is the study and control of posture, stresses, motions, and other physical forces on the human body engaged in work. Altering the way a person performs repetitive activities may help prevent inflammation in the hand and wrist from progressing into full-blown CTS. It should be suggested that businesses replace old tools with ergonomically designed new ones. In order for businesses to eliminate their employees from CT, they should provide literature and oral instructions on prevention. Exercise, correct posture, and proper body movement are factors to incorporate in their programs. Anyone who does repetitive tasks should begin with a short warm up period, take frequent break periods, and avoid overexertion of the hand and finger muscles whenever possible. Employers should be urged to vary tasks and work content. Good posture is extremely important in preventing CTS, particularly for typists and computer users. A keyboard operator should sit with the spine against the back of the chair with the shoulders relaxed. His/her elbows should be along the sides of the body, and wrists straight. The feet should be firmly on the floor or on a footrest. Typing materials should be at eye level so that the neck does not bend over the work. Keeping the neck flexible and head upright maintains circulation and nerve function to the arms and hands. Poorly designed office furniture is a major con...
