Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is Painful But Preventable

Repeating the same motion over and over can cause injuries. These injuries may not be apparent at first, but in time they can become disabling.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one such repetitive strain injury. It is caused by repeated motions of the hand and wrist. Occupations ranging from computer operator to carpenter are prone to this type of injury.

Symptoms progress from slight discomfort to severe pain and inability to use your hands.

 The Carpal Tunnel is a passageway through the wrist which contains a nerve. When the bones and tendons surrounding this nerve become damaged, dislocated or swollen, the nerve is compressed. This causes symptoms of tingling, numbness, pain and weakness in the fingers and hands.

Often the symptoms are first noticeable because they awaken you during the night. They can progress to the point that you are unable to continue with your work.

Here are some tips for preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

• Work with your wrist in a relaxed, straight, "neutral" position. Try not to bend your wrist when doing repetitive tasks.
• Take regular short breaks to rest your hands. If possible, organize your work so you can vary your tasks throughout the shift.
•  Avoid placing force on your hands, particularly when your wrist is bent.
• Do not allow impact on the palm of your hand. A tool such as a screwdriver should be long enough so it extends beyond the palm of the hand. Make sure any impact is distributed through a large part of your hand, not just the center of your hand.
•  Never pound with your hands - use an appropriate tool instead.
•  Make use of devices which help you keep your wrists in the correct position. For computer work, wrist rests and specially shaped keyboards are available. Certain power and hand tools are made to keep your hands in the correct position while working.
• Wrist supports are available. These devices are made of leather, plastic and fabric. They also keep you from bending your wrists. For instance, keyboard operators wear them to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from becoming worse

Check with a medical person promptly if you develop any of the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. These include numbness to the hand or fingers, a burning or tingling sensation and pain.

In treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it is important to eliminate the action or hand position which is causing it. The wrist needs rest. A doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the swelling in the tissues surrounding the nerve. Surgery is an option in some severe cases.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can cripple permanently. Prevent it now rather than having to live with it later.