Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Prevention

Prevention

A systematic review in 2007 of the published English-language literature assessed the quality and strength of articles addressing causes for carpal tunnel syndrome. The authors applied the Bradford Hill criteria to papers on various biological and occupational factors that have been proposed to have a causative effect. Biological factors such as genetic predisposition and anthropometrics had significantly stronger causal association with carpal tunnel syndrome than occupational/environmental factors such as repetitive hand use and stressful manual work. This suggests that carpal tunnel syndrome might not be preventable simply by avoiding certain activities or types of work/activities.

Suggested healthy habits such as avoiding repetitive stress, work modification through use of ergonomic equipment (wrist rest, mouse pad), taking proper breaks, using keyboard alternatives (digital pen, voice recognition, and dictation), and employing early treatments such as taking turmeric (anti-inflammatory), omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins have been proposed as methods to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. The potential role of B-vitamins in preventing or treating carpal tunnel syndrome has not been proven. There is little or no data to support the concept that activity adjustment prevents carpal tunnel syndrome.