Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), found to affect 5.3% of women and 2.1% of men in the working ages (Huisstede et al. 2010), is a condition caused by the compression of the median nerve at the wrist where it crosses the carpal tunnel. Its early symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in the hand, especially at night.

CTS is one of the most costly and disabling work-related upper extremity disorders (Huisstede et al. 2010). While the causal link between work duties and carpal tunnel syndrome continues to be debated, it is important that employers have an understanding about not only what it is, but why it occurs, and how to manage it within the workplace.

Questions that will be answered in this Web Tip will include:

• What is the carpal tunnel and carpal tunnel syndrome?
• How does carpal tunnel syndrome occur?
• What are the causes?
• What are the typical management strategies?
• What can I do as an employer to help prevent and accommodate for an employee who has CTS?