Many people believe they suffer carpal tunnel syndrome because they sit at a computer all day. But, that might not be to blame.
Seven's on call with Dr. Jay Adlersberg.
If you're spending long hours at the keyboard, you've probably thought of carpal tunnel syndrome at one time or another.
But think again. Experts now say those long hours of typing are only one part of the reason people get a painful hand injury.

Carpal tunnel refers to an area of the wrist that basically becomes inflamed and painful. It gets worse over time if not taken care of requires surgery. But before you blame the keyboard, think about your genes.
It's a common misconception. Overusing the keyboard can give some people painful hands and wrists.
Staten Island resident Jean Gantel was an executive assistant working in Ohio who suffered painful hands for years and years without ever getting them diagnosed.
"It was like my arms were asleep and very numb," she said. "The worst part was a burning pain and toward the end it was constant."
Jean finally sought help from Dr. George Pianka who diagnosed her painful hands as carpal tunnel and performed surgery to fix the problem.
There's a major shift in our understanding of conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome," Dr. Pianka said.
The problem, says Dr. Pianka, does not orginate from the keyboard.
"The occupations have always been correlated or associated with symptoms, but the more objective data is now showing that genetics plays a very high role," he said.
Genetics? That's right. Good old mom and dad. Is it in Jean's family?

"My parents did not have carpal tunnel that I know of, they're both decesased now," she said. "But my son has, and he is starting out the same way mine started, just intermittent."
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed under the carpal ligament. And this tendency is inherited.
Early treatment is important, says certified hand therapist Wendy Burnett. Treatment, which can be splints, ultrasound or massage can work.

"The goal is to decrease the swelling of the nerve, which will then decrease the swelling and decrease the symptoms," Burnett said.
This problem is so widespread it's generated a host of other treatments, including shock wave therapy and laser heat treatments. But whatever you try, make sure you go to the doctor soon after symptoms occur.