Putting excess strain on your wrists and hands is common. Whether it’s a beloved hobby or your job we use our hands for everything.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can make even the smallest movements difficult. Not only your hand but your entire arm can experience symptoms.
It’s particularly easy to get carpal tunnel from typing, a task most of us are well versed in. Driving, knitting, and other repetitive motions all put you at risk of carpal tunnel as well.
When carpal tunnel syndrome goes untreated, it can lead to a host of other negative issues. You don’t have to let it get that far.
It’s time to learn how to prevent carpal tunnel.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow pathway on the underside of your wrist. A little bit of everything goes through here—tendons, ligaments, and bones. Any motion of your hand uses the carpal tunnel.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), occurs when the nerves that run through the carpal tunnel become squeezed. Swollen tendons are the most common cause.
Repetitive motion causes swollen tendons and swollen tendons cause carpal tunnel. You may also experience carpal tunnel from arthritis or other illnesses.
The type of carpal tunnel prevention you take depends on the cause.
Symptoms of CTS include:
- Electric-like sensation in thumb and fingers.
- Tingling in the hand.
- Numbness of the hand.
- Pain and unpleasant sensations that occur in the wrist, arm, and shoulder.
CTS symptoms occur gradually. Take note of any changes in your hands or pain that gets worse, you may be experiencing carpal tunnel.
Who Can Get Carpal Tunnel
While anyone can experience carpal tunnel, there are some groups more prone to it.
Women typically have narrower wrists than men, which allows pressure to build more easily. The less space the carpal tunnel has, the easier it is to experience pain.
Male or female, the older generation is at a higher risk. Arthritis is a common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome as well as other illnesses that cause joint inflammation.
Those who use their hands more often increase their risk of carpal tunnel. Musicians, laborers, office workers and more; repetitive movement puts you at high risk. Carpal tunnel prevention is a must in jobs such as these.
What Happens When Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is Left Untreated?
What happens if you don’t do anything to treat carpal tunnel syndrome?
The pain from carpal tunnel syndrome is not going to go away on its own. If you don’t treat CTS, your pain will only continue and perhaps even get worse.
The nerve in the carpal tunnel controls the impulses to the muscles in the thumb and the fingers. If you leave CTS untreated, it can become difficult for you to grab onto things.
In extreme circumstances, carpal tunnel can even cause the thumb muscles to waste away.
How to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Thankfully, even those who have to use repetitive motions can take action to keep their wrists healthy. There are several tips you can use to prevent the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the best methods of carpal tunnel prevention. There are many different hand exercises to prevent carpal tunnel.
Take time throughout your day to shake and gently stretch your wrists.
Stretching your wrists should not hurt, move slowly and take your time. Not only will you see a decrease in pain but an increase in flexibility.
Adjust Your Workspace
Proper posture is key.
Ensure that your forearms are level with your keyboard and your keyboard is directly in front of you.
Avoid the hype of cushioned mouse pads and keyboards. If you want to prevent carpal tunnel from typing you want to improve your posture. Keep your wrists lifted and off of anything, cushions included.
Take Breaks
Repetitive tasks will take a toll on your wrists and hands. Don’t feel bad about taking breaks.
If you have trouble remembering to pause, set an alarm. This is also a great time to get up, get some water, and stretch your legs.
Not only is this good carpal tunnel prevention but you’re benefiting your whole body!
How to Decrease Pain
There is no sure-fire way to deal with your carpal tunnel symptoms. Everybody will get relief from different methods.
It’s important to use techniques that fit your lifestyle and that you’ll follow through with.
Reduce Writing
How many times a week do you have to write repetitive things such as your signature, business address, and so on? Custom business stamps contain information you would have written by hand and are a great method of carpal tunnel prevention.
Decreasing repetitive movement is key. A single motion to sign a document is far less taxing on your wrist. Better yet, you’ll save time along with your tendons.
See the Doctor
When you’re deciding how to prevent carpal tunnel, a doctor is your best bet. CTS can be caused by illnesses beyond repetitive movement.
To find out what issue is causing your swollen wrist tendons, you’re going to need to consult a doctor. Then, seek the appropriate treatment for that problem.
In extreme circumstances, a doctor may recommend surgery to help reduce carpal tunnel symptoms.
Limit Tasks That Cause Pain
This may sound obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. If any tasks cause pain in your hands, wrists, or arms, limit how much you do them.
Listen to your body—if it doesn’t like something, there’s a reason.
Apply Ice
Ice can help to reduce swelling, which takes the pressure off of your nerves. Consider applying the ice before you perform tasks to reduce the pain you will feel after.
Wear a Wrist Splint
A wrist splint keeps your wrists straight and level. These are a great supplement to proper posture.
If your job doesn’t allow wrist splints, consider wearing them at night. Your wrist will be able to recover from the day while you sleep without any pressure on the carpal tunnel.
Preventing Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome is an issue that can get worse when left untreated. Taking simple steps immediately is how to prevent carpal tunnel in the long run.
Using these tips you’ll prevent the onset of carpal tunnel or correct pain that you already have. For more ways to put your health first, make sure to check out the rest of our site.