Overuse versus carpal tunnel syndrome among childcaring mothers

Abstract EN

Objectives The aim of this study was to detect the pattern of upper-extremity overuse disorders among nursing mothers and mothers caring for young children and to determine the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in these women.

Materials and methods Detailed history taking, physical examination, and motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity studies were performed for 50 hands (35 nursing mothers and mothers caring for young children) of mothers who presented with upper limb pain after exclusion of medical and cervical problems that may cause median nerve neuropathy or CTS.

Results The mean values of the distal motor latencies and motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities were in the normal range.

There was a significant increase in the severity of pain in mothers who have more young children or infants.

No significant relationship was found between the offspring’s sex and the overuse syndrome.

Conclusion The overuse syndrome is more prevalent among mothers who nurse and care for young children.

There is no electrophysiological evidence of an increased occurrence of CTS among nursing women.