Looking Into Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects people from all walks of life. Women are more likely to develop this problem than men. This may be because women's carpal tunnel is smaller. Your dominant hand is usually affected before your non-dominant hand. Those people suffering from diabetes and other disorders of the metabolism may be more susceptible to this condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually affects adults only.
We are not sure that repetitive movements alone cause carpal tunnel syndrome, but the evidence does state that people who work in assembly line positions are more likely to develop it. This is something that can affect you whether you sew, work in meat packing, cleaning or manufacturing. According to a study done by the Mayo Clinic in 2001 shows that computer use does not clearly increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, though many people who work in typists positions and data entry find themselves suffering from this common disorder.
Not only does carpal tunnel syndrome take a toll on your body, it can take a toll on your life. Some people miss as many ten days off from work because of the pain, and surgery can result in a long recovery time that also keeps you out of work. When you are looking at a total lifetime cost for someone with this disorder, both in terms of medical bills and time out of work you may be looking at as much as 30,000 dollars.
Because of this huge impact on those afflicted with this condition, it is important to learn how to prevent it from occurring if possible. Prevention can be practiced at home and at work. This is especially important if you are predisposed to developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
At work, be sure to take time to stretch and exercise your hands and wrists. Take frequent breaks to let your wrists rest from the repetitive activity. Wrist splints can help keep your wrists in an optimal position for the least amount of stress. Sit correctly, using good posture. Use fingerless gloves to keep your hands warm and maintain flexibility. Your workstations, tools and equipment should be designed to keep your wrists in a neutral position while working. Tasks should be rotated so one person isn't doing the same thing every day all day long. Ergonomic designs for work areas, tools and other equipment will help keep employees safe.
At home, don't sit and do the same task for several hours. Alternate your activities and don't forget to get up and stretch. Exercises to relieve the strain on your wrist should be done frequently. Let your wrists rest. They don't need to be working 24 hours a day. Ice packs can be applied occasionally if they feel fatigued.
If you suffer from arthritis, diabetes or any other condition that makes you more susceptible to developing carpal tunnel syndrome, you will want to see your doctor to work on maintenance care and control. Remember that you should always take your medication.
If you still develop carpal tunnel syndrome, don't wait to get it diagnosed. The earlier you get treatment the more effective it is. If you start early, you can often avoid surgery and heal the condition through a regimen of stretching and exercising that will relieve the stress on your wrists.
We are not sure that repetitive movements alone cause carpal tunnel syndrome, but the evidence does state that people who work in assembly line positions are more likely to develop it. This is something that can affect you whether you sew, work in meat packing, cleaning or manufacturing. According to a study done by the Mayo Clinic in 2001 shows that computer use does not clearly increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, though many people who work in typists positions and data entry find themselves suffering from this common disorder.
Not only does carpal tunnel syndrome take a toll on your body, it can take a toll on your life. Some people miss as many ten days off from work because of the pain, and surgery can result in a long recovery time that also keeps you out of work. When you are looking at a total lifetime cost for someone with this disorder, both in terms of medical bills and time out of work you may be looking at as much as 30,000 dollars.
Because of this huge impact on those afflicted with this condition, it is important to learn how to prevent it from occurring if possible. Prevention can be practiced at home and at work. This is especially important if you are predisposed to developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
At work, be sure to take time to stretch and exercise your hands and wrists. Take frequent breaks to let your wrists rest from the repetitive activity. Wrist splints can help keep your wrists in an optimal position for the least amount of stress. Sit correctly, using good posture. Use fingerless gloves to keep your hands warm and maintain flexibility. Your workstations, tools and equipment should be designed to keep your wrists in a neutral position while working. Tasks should be rotated so one person isn't doing the same thing every day all day long. Ergonomic designs for work areas, tools and other equipment will help keep employees safe.
At home, don't sit and do the same task for several hours. Alternate your activities and don't forget to get up and stretch. Exercises to relieve the strain on your wrist should be done frequently. Let your wrists rest. They don't need to be working 24 hours a day. Ice packs can be applied occasionally if they feel fatigued.
If you suffer from arthritis, diabetes or any other condition that makes you more susceptible to developing carpal tunnel syndrome, you will want to see your doctor to work on maintenance care and control. Remember that you should always take your medication.
If you still develop carpal tunnel syndrome, don't wait to get it diagnosed. The earlier you get treatment the more effective it is. If you start early, you can often avoid surgery and heal the condition through a regimen of stretching and exercising that will relieve the stress on your wrists.
About the Author:
Think carpal tunnel exercises are intimidating? Many people who are experience the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome are wary to try new exercises, but the truth is, there are many easy, simple carpal tunnel exercises that can actually ease the pain and numbness associated with CTS. Click on that link to discover an easy way to relieve your symptoms!