From the Guidelines
Typing can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes
- Repetitive stress injuries, such as those caused by typing, can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome 1.
- A well-designed work environment, including the positioning of the keyboard, mouse, and monitors, can help reduce the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome 1.
- Ergonomic factors, including ambient room lighting, temperature, and noise, should also be considered to maximize comfort and reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries 1. It is essential to note that carpal tunnel syndrome is often the result of a combination of factors, including repetitive motions, poor ergonomics, and other individual factors 1.
From the Research
Relationship Between Typing and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Typing has been associated with changes in the median nerve, which may contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome 2, 3, 4.
- Studies have shown that continuous keyboarding can cause acute changes in the median nerve, including increased cross-sectional area and swelling ratio 2, 4.
- The level of ulnar deviation during typing has been found to contribute to changes in the median nerve, with greater ulnar deviation leading to greater changes 2, 4.
- Wrist posture during typing has also been found to affect carpal tunnel pressure, with wrist extensions and ulnar deviations leading to increased pressure 5.
Factors Influencing the Relationship Between Typing and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- The duration and frequency of typing have been found to be associated with an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, with longer hours of typing per day and per week leading to a greater risk 6.
- The use of a keyboard with a tilted slope has been found to lead to greater changes in the median nerve compared to a flat keyboard 4.
- Individual factors, such as age, gender, and body mass index, may also influence the relationship between typing and carpal tunnel syndrome, although the evidence is limited 2, 3.
Mechanisms Underlying the Relationship Between Typing and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- The repetitive and forceful motions of the hand and wrist during typing may lead to inflammation and compression of the median nerve, contributing to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome 2, 3, 5.
- The increased carpal tunnel pressure during typing may also contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, particularly in individuals with pre-existing nerve damage or compression 5.