How To Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is often associated with years of computer use and office-related tasks, but it can affect anyone who performs any kind of repetitive movements using their hands. The carpal tunnel is located on the palm side of the wrist. It contains bones, tendons, and ligaments, and when the nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel is under repeated pressure or squeezed by swollen tendons in the wrist, it can result in carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Symptoms

In many cases, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome start slowly. You might feel some burning or numbness in your thumb or any of your fingers except your pinkie. It is also possible for the feeling to start traveling up your arm. The symptoms also tend to start at night. This is because most people bend their wrists when they sleep, putting pressure on their median nerve.

As the carpal tunnel condition gets worse, you will start feeling the symptoms during the day, most often after you’ve spent a good amount of time doing something where you have to bend your wrist up or down. The symptoms might come and go for a while, but they will get worse and occur more regularly.

Some of the other symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

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What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually caused by forceful or repetitive wrist motion. This can be anything from operating vibrating equipment to driving a car or working with small instruments.

How Can You Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

It’s important to take measures to prevent carpal tunnel before you start feeling any symptoms. Since many different types of activities can cause carpal tunnel, start by increasing your awareness of how you use your hands and your wrists throughout the day.

Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at Work

Following the below tips while at work can help to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome:

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

how to prevent carpal tunnel pain

Image via Flickr by Ryan Finnie

You can also prevent carpal tunnel syndrome by making some lifestyle changes.

Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome While Gaming

Gamers who spend hours using a keyboard or game controller are at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Some tips for preventing the symptoms include:

Stretching Exercises to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

Stretching is another way to help prevent symptoms and relieve pressure on the nerve.

If you perform repetitive motion using your hands and wrists, whether it’s for work or a hobby, you could be at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Contact us at The Hand and Wrist Institute for more information about steps you can take to prevent it.

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Dr. John Knight
Dr. John Knight

Dr. Knight is a renowned hand, wrist and upper extremity surgeon with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Knight is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellowship trained. Dr Knight has appeared on CNN, The Doctors TV, Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, Oxygen network and more.