Women More Vulnerable to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Wrist Supports Can Ease Symptoms, Speed Recovery

Wellgate for Women Offers Slimfit Wrist Support Designed Specifically for Women (April 19-25 is Administrative Professionals Week)

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (April 7, 2009) – Perhaps the greatest gift an administrative professional could receive during Administrative Professionals Week this year (April 19-25) is the news that their job – albeit stressful at times – no longer needs to be painful.

Many women who spend most of their time at a desk job find they suffer from wrist or hand numbness and pain. These can be symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which occur when the median nerve in a wrist becomes compressed.

“Not only can it hurt, but it can prevent women from doing even the most basic of tasks with their hands,” says Megan Barclay, a physical therapist and expert on orthopedic pain.

This is a problem with potentially dire consequences in the workplace. Government figures show there are 13 million secretaries or people working in administrative support roles in the U.S. More than 475,000 administrative professionals are employed in Canada, according to the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

“Women dominate this field and are more vulnerable to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome than men,” Barclay says.

Indeed, the National Women’s Health Information Center found women are three times more likely to suffer from the ailment. One reason: women have wrists that are, on average, 10 percent narrower than men. That makes women more susceptible to crowding in the carpal tunnel passage

The good news is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be treated, often without surgery. One popular therapy is to use a brace that immobilizes the wrist to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Barclay cautions, though, that not all supports are made to fit a woman’s body. She recommends Wellgate for Women, which can be found in Wal-Mart, Target, and K-Mart stores nationwide.

Wellgate designs its products specifically to fit the size and proportions of women’s bodies. Wellgate’s Slimfit Wrist Support uses soothing memory foam and soft fabrics to provide comfort day or night, which is important as orthopedists often recommend wearing a brace to bed to help speed recovery.

The Slimfit Wrist Support can also be used for sprains, strains, tendonitis, arthritis and general rehabilitation. It is easy to use and comfortable enough to wear all day.

Of course, it is possible for women to limit their chances of getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The American Physical Therapy Association offers these tips:

• If you’re typing, only move your fingers and keep your wrists straight. Consider using a keyboard pad to rest your wrists during breaks.
• When typing, maintain good posture to reduce strain. Make sure your spine is flush with the back of the chair, your shoulders are relaxed and feet are flat on the floor.
• Make sure your computer monitor is at eye level so you don’t have to bend your neck.
• At home, take frequent breaks from activities that require repetitive motion. For example, if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen slicing and dicing, be aware that all that cutting can put a lot of strain on the wrist.
• Consider using a wrist brace at night or when playing sports to keep the wrist in a neutral position and allow it to rest.

“Women aren’t destined to get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,” Barclay says. “But if they do, it’s important to note that they don’t have to live with the pain.”

For more information, visit www.wellgateproducts.com.

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Media Contact:
Suzy Ginsburg
713-721-4774
suzy@gcomworks.com