Carpal Tunnel Prevention Methods

Carpal tunnel prevention can be done effectively special exercises. Orthopedic surgeons have developed special exercises that can help for carpal tunnel prevention. The carpal tunnel prevention exercises should be done at the start of each work shift and after each break.

Moreover, their research also determined that newly diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome patients should not do everyday activities such as ring a doorbell, hold a coffee cup, or push a shopping cart with the affected hand for the first seven to 10 days of conservative, nonsurgical treatment.

These simple activities were found to increase intra-tunnel pressure on the median nerve of the wrist substantially, thus worsening the condition. Any hand/wrist movement will actually reduce the benefit obtained by wearing a wrist brace/splint.

Standard conservative treatment for CTS is the splint plus anti-inflammatory medication, for several weeks. For optimal effect, the patient's hand must be immobilized completely, except for regimented hourly carpal tunnel prevention exercises - for at least one week. Then the patient slowly can go back to simple activities.

Workers with hand-intensive jobs should do a five-minute carpal tunnel prevention exercise warm-up before starting work, just as runners stretch before a run to prevent injury.

Depending on the type of work, employees also should do a slow isometric and isotonic exercise for posturing and toning of neck and arms. In addition to keyboard operators, factory workers, and typists, those at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome include people whose jobs require holding actions, such as barbers and bus drivers.

Improve the positioning of your wrist and hand during your work or hobby activities. Avoid using your hand in flexed, extended, or twisting positions for long periods. Adjust your workspace so that your wrists are level with your keyboard and take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks.

Carpal Tunnel Prevention Tips

1. Take regular "mini breaks" (stand, walk, stretch, etc.) at least every hour when working at the computer for long periods of time.
2. Always consult your doctor if you are experiencing numbness or tingling to accurately determine the cause of such discomfort and rule out a more serious problem.
3. When your hand feels swollen or puffy, massage from the finger tips to the base of the palm to relieve swelling.
4. Avoid tight watchbands or jewelry and garments with tight elastic sleeves.
5. Reduce the level of muscular tension during all grasp activities. For example, most people hold a pen much harder than is needed. Minimize the applied force as much as possible.
6. Avoid activities requiring excessive up-and-down (flexion and extension) and side-to-side (radial and ulnar deviation) movements of the wrist as much as possible.
7. Avoid direct pressure over the heel of the hand-for exemple push-ups, tricep "dip" exercise, or pressing on hard seat surfaces when rising from a chair.
8. Avoid activities requiring forceful repetitive grasping, such as using garden shears. If these activities cannot be avoided, consider using a cushioned glove or padded tool handle.
9. Shake your hands and wrists rapidly to increase comfort and reduce tension.
10. Avoid activities involving the use of power tools that cause significant vibration.