Carpal tunnel is a common injury that can occur in the workplace. And while there are many ways to treat it, the best way to deal with carpal tunnel is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Whether you are at risk of developing carpal tunnel or are already experiencing symptoms, there are several things you can do to manage this painful condition. In this post, you will find several tips on how to avoid carpal tunnel and treat it.
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What Is Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal tunnel is a condition that can cause pain and numbness in the hands and fingers. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist surrounded by bones and ligaments. The median nerve, which controls movement and feeling in the thumb and first three fingers, runs through the carpal tunnel. When the median nerve is compressed, it can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand and fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition affecting millions of people yearly.
While the exact cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is unknown, it is believed to be related to the repetitive motion of the wrist, such as typing or using a mouse. Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome typically includes wearing a splint at night to keep the wrist from bending, taking breaks during extended typing or mouse use, and stretching exercises. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to release the pressure on the median nerve.
Tips To Avoid Carpal Tunnel
If you are at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, several things you can do to prevent it. However, even if you are unaware of being at risk, these tips can still help reduce your chances of developing the condition.
Stretch Your Wrist Throughout The Day
How often do you stop to stretch your wrists during the day? If you are like most people, the answer is probably not often enough. Stretching your wrist several times a day can help reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Stretching the muscles and tendons around the wrist can help to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
Taking breaks throughout the day to stretch and move your wrists can help keep them flexible and reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. One great stretch is to hold your arm out in front of you with the palm facing down. Use your other hand to pull the fingers back towards the body gently. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds and repeat it several times.
Use A Wrist Rest
If you want something to help support your wrists while typing, look no further than a wrist rest. A wrist rest helps to keep the wrists in a neutral position, which minimizes the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, it helps ease the symptoms of existing syndrome cases. Wrist rests come in various shapes and sizes, so choosing one that fits your specific needs is important.
If you spend a lot of time typing on a computer, for example, you might want to choose a wrist rest that is slightly angled to provide support for your wrists. With proper use, a wrist rest can help you avoid the pain and discomfort of carpal tunnel syndrome.
