In today’s technology-driven world, we use devices in our daily lives like computers and smartphones that put a strain on our bodies. In fact, one of the most diagnosed ailments in our current technological era is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Affecting millions of people each year, this painful condition primarily involves the the hands and wrists.
In this article, we will talk about the things we can do to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Explained
Carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS happens when the median nerve of the forearm and hand is compressed at the wrist. Passing through the rigid and narrow “carpal tunnel” at the base of the hand, the median nerve, when pinched, results in a tingling sensation or numbness in your arm. Although it just starts with a slight pain in the hand, untreated carpal tunnel syndrome will eventually move farther up through the arm and in severe cases, cause people to lose strength in their hands, making simple everyday actions like picking something up or holding something really painful and difficult.
Fortunately, carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated with wrist splinting and medications as long as the symptoms aren’t that severe, but wouldn’t you rather prevent it from happening in the first place? Be sure to follow these tips if you want to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
4) Do some hand exercises.
Most office jobs today typically involve workers spending the majority of their time in front of a computer and typing away at the keyboard. If you’re one of these people, try stretching and exercising your hands throughout the day to prevent developing carpal tunnel syndrome. One hand exercise you can do is to shake your hands as if you’ve just washed them and you’re trying to air dry them. Doing this for a minute or two every hour will keep the median nerve from getting cramped during the day.
3) Have a good posture.
One of the simplest yet effective ways of preventing the development of carpal tunnel syndrome is improving your posture. This is especially important if you’re one of those people who work in front of computers all day. When you’re practicing poor posture, your shoulders tend to roll forward. When you’re in this position, your neck and shoulder muscles become shortened, which causes your neck nerves to be compressed, which in turn, can affect your hands, wrist and fingers.
2) Keep an eye on your form.
If you’re performing repetitive actions all day, you need to be paying attention on the position of your wrists and hands. If you’re holding something, it is recommended that you relax your grip while reducing the force. Also make sure that keep your wrist straight or slightly bent and make sure that you spread the motion and pressure evenly through your hand and wrist. Here are some examples of jobs that are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome due to the involvement of repetitive hand and wrist movements: sewers, hairdressers, cashiers and jobs involving using a keyboard continuously. To be able to the lower the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, you may need to take it upon yourself to train your hands and wrists to be able to engage in different positions that isn’t stressful for them.
1) Wear a wrist splint.
One great way to keep your wrist in a neutral position while reducing the stress is wearing a wrist splint. This is especially useful while you’re sleeping during the nighttime when you can’t control the movements of your hands and wrists. The wrist splint will ensure that your wrist isn’t bent too far back or forward.
