Nine Ways to Avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Cebu : Philippines | Jan 30, 2013 at 4:20 PM PST

By skooter

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Skooter reports 01/31/13

This health report is about a very common health complaint that can be much more incapacitating than most people realize. Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, is an occupational hazard for those who does repetitive work with their hands and/or fingers. Mainly, if you sit at a keyboard, work on an assembly line, use tools, sew, play a musical instrument or any number of other activities, you're at risk for the painful condition.

The complexity with CTS is that it can swiftly become a chronic condition that shows up right away at the start of any activity concerning the hands. It's first-rate health advice to make sure you prevent the condition from happening in the first place.

It is advice to follow these nine tips for minimizing your risk for CTS particularly people like us who most of the time is using the computer:

1. Use your whole hand and all of your fingers when you grip an object.

2. Use a tool whenever possible, instead of flexing your wrists.

3. Make sure your posture is correct. When using the computer, sit straight in your chair and keep your wrists and hands straight and your forearms parallel.

4. Adjust your computer screen so that it is about two feet away from you and just below your line of sight.

5. When sitting and using the computer, use armrests to keep your wrists from flexing too much.

6. Take a break from handwork for a few minutes every hour.

7. Shake out your hands periodically throughout the day.

8. Perform simple stretching exercises before beginning your daily tasks.

9. Do strengthening exercises, such as placing a rubber band around the fingers to provide resistance and then opening and closing your fingers.

CTS can be treated by doctors in a variety of ways. Usually doctors prescribed anti-inflammatory medications if you have the condition. If there is weakness in your thumb, it could be an indication that the median nerve has sustained some damage. Should you develop this symptom, get your doctor's advice about the best treatment.