Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, which can occur from ongoing swelling (tenosynovitis) of the finger flexor tendons inside the carpal tunnel.
Cause - Repetitive wrist motion (flexion, extension, ulnar and radial deviation), or sustained pressure over the wrist.Symptoms - Night pain, numbness/tingling in the median nerve distribution, loss of strength and grip (increased incidence of dropping items)
Ulnar Nerve Compression – Compression of the ulnar nerve as it passes through the ligamentous tunnel behind the medial epicondyle (elbow), or compression of the nerve as it crosses the wrist or in the palm of the hand.
Cause - Resting the elbow on a hard surface or using a poorly designed hand tool, both of which place prolonged compression on the ulnar nerve.Symptoms - Pain and tingling down the medial side of the forearm extending into the little finger.
Tenosynovitis – inflammation of synovial sheaths which surround tendons.
Cause - Repetitive movement of the hand and wrist, although trauma and strain may be involved in some cases.Symptoms - Pain over the structures involved, swelling, decreased function.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – Chronic, systemic, and progressive connective tissue disease, which usually begins in the small joints of the hand, fingers, and wrists.
Cause - Remains a mystery.Symptoms - Joint pain, swelling, warmth, decreased mobility and fatigue.
Environmental Health & Safety
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