November 7, 2009

Dealing With Carpal Tunnel

The condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome is frequently accompanied by pain. It results from swelling in the slender opening in the wrist, which frequently occurs with repetitive strain or compression on the region, irritating the median nerve that runs along the tunnel.

Repeated movements throughout the course of the day, such as those associated with computer use and typing, put excess pressure on the carpal tunnel. This causes symptoms like pain, tingling, and numbness, not only in the hands, but also the fingers, wrists, and forearms. Injuries to the wrist and conditions such as pregnancy, arthritis, or diabetes may also be to blame for carpal tunnel syndrome — making an accurate diagnosis imperative.

Physical therapy can be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome as well as non-prescription medications, but in some cases surgery is called for. There are exercises you can practice to alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, and you can find them in online videos and articles.

There are a few precautions that you will need to take, although they are not difficult, with using the correct positioning or ergonomic setup during your work time will decrease the possibility of being affected by carpal tunnel syndrome. If you currently have this condition, ergonomics will be of help to reduce your existing symptoms. While you use the keyboard, you should always place in right in front of you while making sure you keep your shoulders relaxed and make sure to have your upper arms in a neutral position.

Adjust the height of your desk or work surface so that the keyboard allows the hands, wrists, and forearms to be in a comfortable position with no pressure or strain. Avoid placing the wrists on any hard surfaces, or resting them on your desk for long periods of time as this will put more pressure on the carpal tunnel and cause an increase in swelling as well as pain.

Here's one simple stretching exercise to try for treating carpal tunnel syndrome:

1. Extend your wrists and fingers outward, ahead of your body, positioning your hands and fingers toward the ceiling, like you are signaling someone to "stop".

2. Maintain this position while you count to five and then relax and hold your wrists straight out in front of you.

3. Then, make fists using your hands as you extend your arms to the front.

4. Rotate the wrists down to the floor while maintaining a fist and then hold for five seconds.

5. Relax and extend your wrists and hands into their customary positions, then follow the preceding steps again, up to 5-7 additional repetitions.