Carpal Tunnel - Prevention‎

Carpal Tunnel

By Frank Little

If your work requires you to spend eight or more hours a day in front of a computer, then carpal tunnel syndrome is a very real concern. At the same time, office workers are not the only people who have to worry about developing this condition. Any occupation which involves repetitive hand or wrist motion can place you at risk, as can hobbies like knitting. Here are some things you can do to prevent this problem.

Exercise regularly and maintaining a healthy weight - Studies have shown that those who are obese do experience a higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of these studies come from Redmond CL, Bain GI, Laslett LL, and McNeil JD. Exercise has many documented benefits. Varied activity generally helps lessens stress and is beneficial to preventing carpal tunnel.

Smoking - You can also cut down on smoking to reduce your risk. Smoking decreases circulation, especially in the extremities and this is also a risk factor when combined with repetitive wrist and hand motions. If you smoke, you should be very careful when performing these kinds of tasks; but again, it's better to think about giving it up entirely.

Environment - Your work environment can also help prevent - or help cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Having an ergonomically correct workstation can go a long way to keeping your risk low. A chair which provides you with the proper support, placing your keyboard, mouse and other items properly on your desk and exercising ergonomically sound work habits are all important to preventing the condition.

In some cases, items that promote ergonomics can be important as well. If you look online, you will be able to find chairs, keyboards and other office tools that help to promote better posture and reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome at the same time. It will be important to consider these options if you are looking to offset some of the risk that you have.

Take a Break - One of the most important techniques for preventing this condition is to take short breaks at regular intervals throughout your day. Get up from your desk, take a little walk around and do some hand and wrist stretches before you sit back down at your work station. This breaks up your day and actually helps you stay alert and focused on your work as well as reducing your risk of hand or wrist injury.

Carpal tunnel can be avoided or minimalized. Assess your risk and make the necessary changes in your daily routines, your office equipment, and your repetitive actions. Following just some of the above advice will help you to avoid a painful condition and possible future surgery.