Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a debilitating condition that brings pain and limitations in your range of motion and strengths in your fingers, wrists, hands, and forearms.
But thankfully, you can go a very long way in averting these symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome using just simple adjustments to your everyday routine. Here is a detailed introduction on what is carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
CTS or carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve that runs from your arm to the palm of your hand is squeezed or compressed in a narrow passageway on the base of your hand. This is known as the carpal tunnel. It is also estimated that around 3 to 8 percent of the US population suffers from Carpal tunnel symptoms.
The pressure on your carpal tunnel may happen due to many repetitive movements, medical conditions which cause inflammation in your body, and inflammation of your hand tendons. This condition occurs more among women than in men.
5 Ways To Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
1. Be less tense and loosen the grip more:
Mostly in our everyday lives, we get used to doing things in a routine pattern that we don’t stop thinking about. Often, you might exert more force than you need to fulfill this task. For example, your tight grip on the tools is too much when only a firm grip is enough.
You might be pounding your computer keyboard where just gentle strokes are enough. Hence you should be less tense and try loosening your grip to prevent CTS.
2. Take a break from your everyday repetitive activities:
Suppose you are currently spending a lot of time practicing your routine activities that involve repetitive or forceful wrist or hand motions. In that case, you are at a higher risk of having CTS. These activities may include working with tiny instruments, driving, using a sander, or knitting. You can reduce your risk of having carpal tunnel syndrome by having frequent time off from these activities to stretch, rest, or change positions.
3. Stretch:
Stretching and having frequent exercise sessions can help strengthen the muscles in the hands and wrists. Take time to stretch so that your muscles and tendons can relax, and hence there is no pressure being built on your median nerve. To avoid carpal tunnel symptoms, you can practice rotating your wrists, flexing, and extending the palms, wrists, and fingers.
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Alter your workstation:
You must pay close attention to the usage of your computer, keyboard, chair, and your mouse and remaining equipment to make sure that your workspace is one of the carpal tunnel causes for you. Adjust the working environment you have and how you are using it. You may also use a setup similar to the one you have for your hobbies.
5. Use an ideal posture:
If you are working on a computer throughout the day, you must keep your neck, back, and shoulders upright. It would help if you had your feet flat over the floor. Being in a slouching posture can cause your neck nerves to compress, affecting your wrists, hands, and fingers.
To avoid slouching, you can also wear a back and neck brace. This can be your ultimate carpal tunnel treatment, and you will find it very soothing.
These are some ways to prevent carpal tunnel syndromes. You can find high-quality braces from WorldBrace to support your body from all sides.