Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Prevention - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Research scientists are still trying to figure out the best way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. There are, however, some things a person can do that may decrease the risk. These carpal tunnel prevention strategies include:

Preventing wrist injury at work
Varying tasks
Performing exercises
Relaxing the grip
Staying warm.

Prevent Injury
Injury to the wrist increases the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, preventing injury in the workplace can help decrease the chances of carpal tunnel syndrome.

To do this, make sure that your workspace and equipment are at the right height and distance for your hands and wrist to work with less strain. If you are working on a computer, the keyboard should be at a height that allows your wrist to rest comfortably without having to bend at an angle. Desk or table workspace should be about 27 to 29 inches above the floor for most people. It also helps to keep your elbows close to your sides as you type to reduce the strain on your forearm. Keeping good posture and wrist position can lower your risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome.

Vary Tasks
Try and avoid repetitive movements, if possible. Try to perform tasks that use different muscle movements during each hour. Break up tasks that require repetitive wrist and hand motion with those that do not.

Perform Exercises
After doing repetitive movements for a while, you can sometimes cancel out the effects of those movements by flexing and bending your wrists and hands in the opposite direction.

Relax the Grip
Sometimes, people get into a habit of tensing muscles without needing to. Practice hand and wrist motions more gently and less tightly. Stress and tension play a role in muscle strain and irritation.

Stay Warm
Muscles that are warm are less likely to get hurt, and the risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome is greater in a cold environment. It is important to keep your hands warm while you work, even if you must wear fingerless gloves.