7 Prevention Tips for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel syndrome often starts with pain and discomfort at the base of the thumb that extends to other fingers, finally leading to the inability to use our hands like a normal person.1 The failure to grip objects, constant pain, numbness and tingling sensations and the idea of two limbs that do not function to their full potential is a scary proposition. Add to this; the fact that carpal tunnel syndrome could happen to anyone leads to the necessity to research and proactively adopt ways to keep carpal tunnel away. Listed below are 7 tips for prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome that are both effective and easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Read further to know more.
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Using Ergonomic Equipment Can Help Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
We use certain tools, devices and equipment on a daily basis that may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome and its symptoms. Using a keyboard is unavoidable if you work in an office or at the cash counter of a store or a restaurant. You may even use a keyboard at home to access social media or send out emails. For those involved in skilled labor; many of the tools in your tool box and their constant use could lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Under these circumstances, it may seem like there is not much one can do, but fortunately you can invest in ergonomically designed tools and equipment that keep the wrists sufficiently aligned and prevent compression on the median nerve, which in turn prevents carpal tunnel syndrome.2
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Correct Your Posture at Work to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
When you work in an office and sit at a desk for many hours a day, your posture and something as seemingly harmless as the way you place your hands on your desk may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. All you require to do in such circumstances is make one simple change to your posture. Make sure your arms are supported by your desk at a right angle by adjusting your chair. This will effectively take off any undue pressure on your wrist and your median nerve and in turn prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from developing.
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Take Breaks While Working at a Desk and Computer
Repetitive hand motions while working on a computer for long hours can often be a cause for undue stress on your wrist leading to carpal tunnel syndrome. Prevention is possible when you take proper breaks from work to relax your muscles. This is definitely a doable prevention measure you can incorporate into your daily routine. Additionally; allow your hands to relax while you are reading on a computer instead of just letting them rest on the desk or keyboard. Your best option is to let your hands fall loose at your sides.
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Stretching Exercises to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
According to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, stretching exercises before or during work are sure to help combat the onslaught of carpal tunnel syndrome. These exercises are geared towards keeping the wrists supple, relaxing the muscles and the nerves and facilitating circulation. One exercise that you can try without moving from your desk is detailed below in 4 easy steps.
- Position all your fingers such that they are pointing up to the ceiling while extending your hands out in front of you for 5 seconds.
- Make a fist by pointing your fingers downwards into your palms for another five seconds.
- Now stretch your hands outwards with an emphasis on relaxing your fingers and count to five.
- End the exercise by letting your hands fall to your side and gently shaking them out.
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Fingerless Gloves to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Buy a comfortable pair of fingerless gloves and have them on when working on a computer or with other tools for long hours. These gloves help with blood circulation and are one of the many answers on how to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
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A Splint Can Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Many athletes and tennis players in particular, often wear wrist splints. This is primarily a prevention measure against carpal tunnel syndrome and other wrist injuries. You too can wear a splint to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; however, the wrist and finger exercises are known to be much more beneficial.
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Dietary Changes for Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Orthopedic doctors have considered the effects of water retention as a cause for carpal tunnel syndrome. This is best prevented with the help of diuretics. One must keep in mind that only a qualified physician can diagnose a water retention problem and prescribe diuretics. A daily multivitamin that includes Vitamin B6 is also a possible prevention measure against carpal tunnel. Experts are sitting on the fence in regards to this possibility; however, Vitamin B6 has many other potential benefits and a daily multivitamin supplement is sure to help you stay healthy in other ways along with preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
In conclusion; it is easy to see that small measures can definitely help keep carpal tunnel syndrome away.
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