I work in a hospital as a patient intake worker. There are 32 of us doing the same job. We all work at the computer keyboard all day. I’m the only one with carpal tunnel syndrome. What am I doing wrong?

You may not be doing anything wrong. New research shows there may be a genetic factor. Some people are more likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome than others when doing the same kind and same amount of activity.

The exact reason for this isn’t clear. It could be the shape of your bones that form the tunnel at the wrist where the nerve passes through. It could be the way the nerves and tendons slide and glide through the tunnel.

On the other hand, it is possible that the way you have your work station set up is part of the problem. Since you are at a hospital, ask a physical or occupational therapist to take a look at your set up. The therapist can evaluate your posture, hand placement, and angle of work and let you know if any of these need to be changed.