What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition when you experience a pinched or
compressed nerve in your wrist. Symptoms include pain in the wrist, numbness,
tingling sensation, and feeling weak when gripping or grasping objects.
There are several causes of carpal tunnel syndrome and there is usually
no one definitive cause.
Some health conditions are known to increase your risk of carpal tunnel
syndrome, such as:
- Diabetes
- Gout
- Hypothyroidism
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Pregnancy
- Existing sprain or fracture in the wrist
There are times when the symptoms may extend to the rest of the hand including
the fingers as well as into the forearm. If left untreated, an individual
suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome may lose grip strength and may experience
difficulty in forming a fist or grasping small objects. Simple tasks such
as opening a jar or typing on a keyboard can become a challenge.
Helpful Tips to Avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Many individuals who develop this type of condition are those with jobs
that involve repetitive wrist movements such as in manufacturing, assembly
line work, construction work, as well as those who frequently use computer
keyboards.
If your job increases your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, you can follow
these helpful tips:
- Reduce force when using your hand and always relax your grip
- Take frequent breaks for your hands and wrists
- Avoid bending your wrist too much, keep it at a relaxed position
- Position your wrist at elbow height or slightly lower when using a keyboard
- Use ergonomic tools such as a support for your keyboard and mouse
You may also want to make some lifestyle changes to lower your risk of
developing health conditions that can increase your chances of carpal
tunnel syndrome. Staying at a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and
quitting your smoking habit can contribute greatly to your prevention
of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.