What was once only available in certain industries now appear to be everywhere. And if you didn’t know how to use one at first you very well better amp up your skills. What exactly are we talking about? Well computers of course! From desktops, to laptops to now even tablets these electronic devices are become part of our lives and we are spending more and more time on them.
You wouldn’t think that a machine could be linked to a syndrome, but the usage of computers actually can. If you type all day or fiddle with a mouse you’re increasing your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Flip over your hand so you’re facing your palm. Do you see the connecting area between your wrist and your hand? Well that’s the area of focus when it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome.
You see there are ligaments which run from your wrist to your hand which links the bones together in the carpal tunnel. This system of bones and muscles connecting are what allows us to move our fingers and grasps objects. In this intricate system is something called a median nerve which helps us feel temperature, pain and touch.
When swelling occurs space becomes limited and so the nerve becomes pinched and damage can occur. Carpal tunnel syndrome, then, can be mild or get quite severe depending on the damage. So much so that sometimes surgery is needed to relieve the symptoms and fix the damage.
Computer use has been deemed a large risk factor of developing carpal tunnel. This is because when operating a mouse or typing on a keyboard our wrists are bent and pressure is then put on the median nerve.
Additionally continuous repetitive motion of the wrist can also be a risk factor of carpal tunnel syndrome and it continues to put pressure on the nerve.
Some other causes and risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include:
As you can imagine with a damaged nerve comes some pain, but there are other carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms you need to be mindful of.
A person with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience some or all of these symptoms and often times they become worsened at night. This can be in part because while we sleep we bend our hands aggravating the already damaged nerve.
Our hands are important and so seeking relief and treatment for carpal tunnel is essential. There are a few options when it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome treatments depending on the severity of it.
Of course the best form of treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome is prevention.
Knowing the causes and risk factors is the first step in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have an occupation which keeps you in front of a computer or completing repetitive wrist motions be mindful of this. Taking rest breaks and practicing wrist exercises is key – we will discuss further exercises later on.
Boosting circulation is also important. Make sure your hands are kept warm, fingerless gloves may assist in this.
Using ergonomic devices to ease tension on the wrist is also important. For example keyboards and mouse pads now come with a cushion to elevate your wrist and keep it from bending and such applying pressure to the median nerve.
Lastly because many other health conditions can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome it’s important to manage these as well. Take control of your diabetes for starters. Additionally, make sure your thyroid is healthy, you don’t have gout and that your arthritis is manageable. These are other conditions which can increase your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
When it comes to carpal tunnel exercises there are a few techniques in which you can utilize.
Carpal tunnel exercise no. 1: Start with your hand in a wrist formation. Move your fingers upward so they become straight. Lower them back down into a wrist formation. Doing this at least 10 times for each hand can help move along circulation and release any tension.
Carpal tunnel exercise no. 2: Once again start with your hand in a fist position. Release the fist and stretch out your fingers like a fan (try to make as much space as possible between each finger). Continue to bring the fingers back in a wrist formation.
Carpal tunnel exercise no. 3: With arms out in front make two fists and bend the wrists downward. Hold in this position for five seconds and bring them back to level.
Carpal tunnel exercise no. 4: Arms out in front relax the fingers and hold for five seconds. Then engage them so they are straight and proceed with relaxing them again.
Carpal tunnel exercise no. 5: Arms out in front flex hand upwards. Fingers will be pointing straight up and wrist is bent. Hold for five seconds, release and repeat.
These are just two exercises in which you can try to help your carpal tunnel. Another effective exercise may utilize the use of a stress ball. Try to squeeze it as much as possible then release.
Building the muscles in your hand can keep it strong. These exercises also stretch out the hand which may become cramped, especially if you partake in repetitive motions.
You don’t need to become victim of carpal tunnel syndrome. By being mindful of everyday activities and taking to time to exercise your hands you can effectively prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from getting the best of you.
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