Causes, prevention and treatment
Ergonomics Guide · 6 min read · Workplace health Ergonomics RSI prevention
Quick answer: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a painful nerve condition caused by repetitive hand and wrist movements — most commonly mouse and keyboard use. It is preventable with early intervention: regular breaks, stretching, ergonomic equipment, and workplace adjustments can significantly reduce risk.
Daily computer work is one of the most common causes of hand, wrist and forearm injuries in modern workplaces. When repetitive mouse or keyboard use continues without adequate breaks or proper ergonomics, the cumulative strain can develop into Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) or other Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) — conditions that worsen significantly if left untreated.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful hand and wrist disorder caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs through a narrow channel (the carpal tunnel) in the wrist and into the hand. When surrounding tendons become inflamed — typically from repetitive motion — they press on the nerve, causing pain, numbness and weakness. If repetitive work continues without treatment, inflammation increases and symptoms spread.
CTS typically develops gradually. Recognising the early signs is important — the sooner the condition is addressed, the easier it is to treat.
Pins and needles in the hand, often intermittent at first
Aching that becomes more noticeable when the hand is at rest
Aching that becomes more noticeable when the hand is at rest
Pain spreading up the arm if the underlying cause is not addressed
Important: if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, stop the repetitive activity and consult a doctor. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
The most common cause of CTS in office environments is the overuse of the mouse and keyboard — specifically, rapid or repetitive finger and wrist movements performed for extended periods without adequate rest. When the injury affects the right hand, mouse use is the most frequent culprit, as it involves sustained gripping and small, repeated movements that load the carpal tunnel over time.
Prevention is significantly more effective — and less disruptive — than treatment. Two areas make the biggest difference: workplace habits and workspace design.
Schedule frequent short breaks — at least every 30–45 minutes — during which you perform stretches to the arms, hands, wrists, shoulders and neck. Brief, regular movement is the single most effective habit for reducing CTS risk.
Vary the tasks you perform throughout the day rather than sustaining the same repetitive motion for hours. Where possible, rotate mouse-heavy tasks among team members to distribute the physical load.
Rearrange your desk so that all frequently used items — mouse, keyboard, phone — are within comfortable arm's reach without stretching or twisting. Awkward reaching adds strain to the wrist and forearm over time.
Work surfaces should be at approximately waist height when seated, allowing your shoulders to relax and your elbows to bend gently at roughly 90 degrees. If your desk is too high, your shoulders lift; too low, and you hunch — both increase wrist strain.
A standard flat mouse forces the forearm to twist inward (pronation), which compresses the carpal tunnel. An ergonomic vertical or angled mouse keeps the hand and wrist in a more neutral position, significantly reducing this pressure.
The Evoluent's patented shape supports the hand in a relaxed handshake position — widely considered the optimal posture for the hand, wrist and forearm. By eliminating the forearm rotation required by a standard mouse, it removes the primary mechanical stress that contributes to CTS. A strong choice for those who spend significant time on mouse-heavy tasks.
