Carpal tunnel syndrome affects people from all walks of life. Women are more likely to develop this problem than men. This may be because women's carpal tunnel is smaller. Your dominant hand is usually affected before your non-dominant hand. Those people suffering from diabetes and other disorders of the metabolism may be more susceptible to this condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually affects adults only.
While there is little proof that repetitive movements of the hand and wrist actually cause carpal tunnel syndrome, it does seem to affect those in assembly line work much more frequently. This can be anything from sewing, cleaning, meat packing or manufacturing. A study by the Mayo Clinic in 2001 did not show that computer use increased the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. They studied people performing 7 hours per day of computer work. Nonetheless, many typists and data entry personnel find themselves afflicted with this condition every year.
Workers suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome may end up missing work due to this condition. Some miss as many as ten days of work due to pain. Those that have surgery may have a long recovery period where they cannot perform their jobs. An average lifetime cost to those with carpal tunnel syndrome that includes time lost from work and medical costs is about $30,000 for each worker.
Because of this huge impact on those afflicted with this condition, it is important to learn how to prevent it from occurring if possible. Prevention can be practiced at home and at work. This is especially important if you are predisposed to developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
When you are work, make sure that you take time off to stretch and exercise your hands and wrists. These do not have to be long breaks, but you should rest periodically. Using wrist splints can help you keep your wrists in the right position while sitting correctly and maintaining good posture are essential. Some people use fingerless gloves to keep their hands warm and flexible, and if at all possible, make sure that your workstation, equipment and tools are all designed to keep your body in a happy position. Ideally, people should rotate from task to task in order to vary up their motions. Ergonomic design is lovely when you are looking into a good workspace.
When you are at home, resist the temptation to sit and to do the same tasks for hours on end. Make sure that you alternate your activities and get up periodically to stretch. Do exercises that will relieve the strain on your body and let your wrists stretch. Consider ice packs if you want to relieve feelings of fatigue.
If you suffer from arthritis, diabetes or any other condition that makes you more susceptible to developing carpal tunnel syndrome, you will want to see your doctor to work on maintenance care and control. Remember that you should always take your medication.
Take some time and really make sure that you stay on top of your health. Early diagnosis of this problem is essential, and you'll find that by finding out in the early stages, you'll be able to simply do exercises and stretches rather than take on surgery!
While there is little proof that repetitive movements of the hand and wrist actually cause carpal tunnel syndrome, it does seem to affect those in assembly line work much more frequently. This can be anything from sewing, cleaning, meat packing or manufacturing. A study by the Mayo Clinic in 2001 did not show that computer use increased the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. They studied people performing 7 hours per day of computer work. Nonetheless, many typists and data entry personnel find themselves afflicted with this condition every year.
Workers suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome may end up missing work due to this condition. Some miss as many as ten days of work due to pain. Those that have surgery may have a long recovery period where they cannot perform their jobs. An average lifetime cost to those with carpal tunnel syndrome that includes time lost from work and medical costs is about $30,000 for each worker.
Because of this huge impact on those afflicted with this condition, it is important to learn how to prevent it from occurring if possible. Prevention can be practiced at home and at work. This is especially important if you are predisposed to developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
When you are work, make sure that you take time off to stretch and exercise your hands and wrists. These do not have to be long breaks, but you should rest periodically. Using wrist splints can help you keep your wrists in the right position while sitting correctly and maintaining good posture are essential. Some people use fingerless gloves to keep their hands warm and flexible, and if at all possible, make sure that your workstation, equipment and tools are all designed to keep your body in a happy position. Ideally, people should rotate from task to task in order to vary up their motions. Ergonomic design is lovely when you are looking into a good workspace.
When you are at home, resist the temptation to sit and to do the same tasks for hours on end. Make sure that you alternate your activities and get up periodically to stretch. Do exercises that will relieve the strain on your body and let your wrists stretch. Consider ice packs if you want to relieve feelings of fatigue.
If you suffer from arthritis, diabetes or any other condition that makes you more susceptible to developing carpal tunnel syndrome, you will want to see your doctor to work on maintenance care and control. Remember that you should always take your medication.
Take some time and really make sure that you stay on top of your health. Early diagnosis of this problem is essential, and you'll find that by finding out in the early stages, you'll be able to simply do exercises and stretches rather than take on surgery!
About the Author:
Think carpal tunnel exercises are difficult? Many people who are suffering from the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome are wary to try new exercises, but the truth is, there are many easy, simple carpal tunnel exercises that can actually ease the pain and numbness associated with CTS. Follow that link to discover an easy way to relieve your symptoms!
