Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and How to Avoid It !!!

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and How to Avoid It

     CTS or carpal tunnel syndrome is a common wrist problem that is being faced by most of people all over the world.   CTS pain aggravates when the median nerve at the wrist level is compressed.  It is often accompanied with numbness, pain, weakness, stiffness, and tingling in the fist and wrist that radiates to the fingers.  It is due to the direct pressure on the nerve that runs through the wrist.  Any repetitive motions, driving or any activity that involves the motion of wrist continuously may contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, especially typing or playing musical instruments for prolonged periods with bending your wrist.  Burning pain in the middle and index fingers may also present in severe cases.  You may often feel tight and painful wrist associated with weakness.  The underlying conditions that are contributing to carpal tunnel syndrome are thyroid disorder, arthritis, and diabetes can play a role.   CTS can affect the coordination of fingers if left untreated. 

SOME OF THE TIPS TO AVOID YOUR CTS SYMPTOMS:

Take Frequent Breaks:

Take frequent breaks from the work which involves repetitive usage of wrist.   Try to keep your wrist in a neutral position.  A quality wrist splint can be used for support. 

Adjust Your Posture and Workstations

Keeping good posture and adjusting your workstations are the first and foremost steps that you can imply to calm down your CTS symptoms.  These measures will surely keep the carpal tunnel symptoms at bay.

Avoid Forceful Activities

Don’t exert too much pressure on the hand.  Avoid forceful activities which involve your wrist area.  If you are using keyboards, hit keys softly and rest your wrist on the desk without exerting much pressure on the wrist because this will compress your median nerve again.

Hot and Cold Compress

Give hot and cold compresses to your hand twice or thrice a day.  This will relieve muscle tension that was built over the median nerve area and relieve pain and tingling.

Exercise and Stretch

Exercise and stretch your hands, wrists and fingers often.  Rotate your wrists in circles.  Flex and extend your fingers regularly.  This will release pressure buildup and helps to keep the muscles and tendons relaxed at the level of wrist and fingers.

EPSOM SALT SOAK

This is one of the simplest and highly suggested remedy for carpal tunnel syndrome because you cannot find any other remedy that could easily relieve your pain symptoms instantly.  Fill a bowl or water tub with hot water.  Add a teaspoon of Epsom salt to it.  Immerse your hands in the tub above the wrist level.  You could feel the release of pain and pressure around the wrist area and fingers.  It will soothe the pain and you will feel relaxed.