Avoiding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you type, or perform other repetitive motions with your hands, there is always a risk that you will develop carpal tunnel syndrome. As you may be aware, this is a condition where the main nerve running through the wrist becomes pinched by swollen tissue around it. Once the blockage becomes severe enough, you will notice numbness in your fingers, as well as pain and stiffness. If you develop these symptoms, it will be necessary, for several months, to avoid repetitive motions. This avoidance is vital in order to allow the nerves to heal. Even though surgery can also be used to correct this particular problem, it is best, as much as possible, to try to avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Wear Adequate Wrist Supports
Many people, who type, for just a few hours each day, may immediately notice pain in their wrists or hands. Even if you are just taking a typing class, you should get used to wearing wrist supports. You should also make it a point to have extra padding under the mouse and at the base of the keyboard. Most carpal tunnel syndrome cases can easily be avoided if you wrists are fully supported during repetitive motion activities. This includes support under the wrist, as well as around them. As a general rule of thumb, you will need to make use of wrist supports and gloves in order to keep your wrists in good condition.
Exercise Wrists and Hands
Chances are, if you work at a computer all day, you keep a mirror on your desk, in order to help reduce eye strain. Each time you take a break to refocus your eyes, you should also take a few seconds to stretch out your hands. No matter whether you make use of a rubber ball or hand grips, stretching will help to improve circulation in your wrists, as well as to reduce the strains associated with repetitive motions. It may also be of some help to make use of wrist exercises before you start typing for the day, as well as after you are finished.
Pay Attention to Posture
Slouching, incorrect seat height and other problems will cause your arms to misalign with your hands and wrists. Under these circumstances, it will be very hard to gain adequate support for your wrists. You are also likely to find that poor posture during typing will cause you to feel tired much faster. While you may need to get used to a different posture, it will be well worth the effort. Aside from keeping your wrists in good health, good posture will also protect your back, neck, and leg, and foot joints.
Today, most people who develop carpal tunnel syndrome already know that repetitive motions can easily create this condition. On the other hand, when it comes to changing work habits, or the work environment, many prefer to let the situation escalate to a point where serious damage occurs to the wrist and hands. At the very least, if you must make use of repetitive motions, you should think about the long term well-being of your hands and wrists. You can, with exercise, wrist supports and awareness, avoid the discomfort of carpal tunnel syndrome.
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