Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized as numbness, tingling, weakness and pain in your hand, wrist and sometimes forearm. The condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs through a space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. You may be more likely to get the syndrome if you overuse your hand or wrist. You may also be more likely to get it if you are pregnant or have a medical condition like an underactive thyroid or diabetes.
While some patients require surgical intervention to correct their carpal tunnel syndrome, others can find relief through rest or wearing a splint. Below, we offer additional suggestions for preventing this painful diagnosis.
Prevention
To help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Maintain good general health. This includes staying at a weight that's healthy for you, not smoking and getting regular exercise.
- Train yourself to use positions or techniques that won't put stress on your hand or wrist.
o Keep your wrists straight, or only slightly bent, and in line with your arms. Avoid or change activities that bend or twist the wrists for long periods of time.
o Take breaks often and rest your hands.
o Switch hands and change positions often when you are doing repeated motions.
o Stop any activity that you think may be causing finger, hand or wrist numbness or pain.
Setting up your work area to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome
Perhaps one of the most important things people can do to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome is create an ergonomic workstation.
These pointers are helpful for a computer work area, but can also help with other setups, such as where you do hobbies, like puzzles or knitting, or work with hand tools.
- Center your work in front of you.
- Check the height of your work or computer screen. Your work should be as low as possible without touching your legs. Your forearms should be parallel to the floor or slightly lowered. If you work while standing, have your work surface at about waist height.
- Keep your hands and wrists in line with your forearms. For example, if you work at a keyboard, tilt it to help keep this alignment. Use proper hand and wrist position for manual tasks. Keep your elbows close to your sides. Avoid leaning on the heel of your hand or your wrist.
- Try a different computer keyboard. Many people benefit from using a split, V-shaped keyboard. If you can, try one for at least a week. Different styles work best for different people.
- Take little breaks every 10-15 minutes. Use a reminder alarm if needed.
- Incorporate some stretching exercises into your day.
- Try changing the way you hold a tool. If you can, switch hands now and then.
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Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
