6 Ways to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
By Darwin F. Johnson on July 2nd, 2018 in Ergonomics, injury prevention, workplace injuries
One in ten people will suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome during their lifetime. Many people associate this syndrome with office workers, but it is also common across a range of careers that require repetitive motions, from truck drivers to musicians.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel located in the wrist, is compressed by swelling or inflammation. Symptoms include numbness, stiffness, and pain in the hand and fingers.
If you are at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, then follow these six preventative tips:
Improve Your Posture
The median nerve runs from the neck all the way down to the wrist, so you should adopt a relaxed posture that won’t cause tension in your neck muscles. Bring back your shoulders, rest your elbows at your side, and keep your feet solidly on the floor.
Keep Your Wrists Straight
When you bend your wrist up or down, you put pressure on the median nerve. Try to keep your wrist in a straight, neutral position whenever possible, and consider wearing a brace during repetitive activities or while sleeping.
Loosen Your Grip
We often use more force than is necessary when typing, driving, using a tool, or doing other activities. Relax your grip and try using a little less strength next time. This technique will give your hands and wrist a much-needed break.
Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
When you relieve inflammation, you stop painful pressure on your median nerve. An anti-inflammatory diet includes plenty of fruit, vegetables, and healthy fats with comparatively little salt, saturated fat, and alcohol.
Take Breaks From Repetitive Activities
Breaks are good for you — and better for your hands! For every hour that you spend doing a repetitive activity, especially one involving tools that require a lot of force, take 10 to 15 minutes to rest.
Stretch Your Wrist and Hands
Five minutes a day of simple stretches and hand exercises will strengthen your muscles and reduce your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Here’s one stretch that you can try:
- Make a fist
- Release your fingers and fan them out
- Stretch your fingers as far as you can
- Repeat 5 to 10 times
Already Suffering From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
If you have acquired carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of your job, then a workman comp attorney in Atlanta can help you figure out if you are entitled to compensation.
Contact the Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson for workers’ compensation lawyer in Atlanta. Call 404-521-2667 today!
