Articles, News and Resources

Carpal tunnel syndrome generally characterized by pain is caused by swelling within a slight opening in the wrist. It is frequently caused by a recurrent strain or stress on the region, exacerbating the median nerve running through the passage.

Repeated movements throughout the course of the day, such as those associated with computer use and typing, put excess pressure on the carpal tunnel. This causes symptoms like pain, tingling, and numbness, not only in the hands, but also the fingers, wrists, and forearms. Injuries to the wrist and conditions such as pregnancy, arthritis, or diabetes may also be to blame for carpal tunnel syndrome -- making an accurate diagnosis imperative.

Physical therapy can be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome as well as non-prescription medications, but in some cases surgery is called for. There are exercises you can practice to alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, and you can find them in online videos and articles.

There are a few precautions that you will need to take, although they are not difficult, with using the correct positioning or ergonomic setup during your work time will decrease the possibility of being affected by carpal tunnel syndrome. If you currently have this condition, ergonomics will be of help to reduce your existing symptoms. While you use the keyboard, you should always place in right in front of you while making sure you keep your shoulders relaxed and make sure to have your upper arms in a neutral position.

To achieve optimal comfort with no pressure or strain, change the level of your bureau so that the keyboard allows you to be comfortable. Try not to put your wrists on any rough surfaces, and avoid keeping them on your desk longer than necessary. This will add extra pressure on your carpal tunnel and increase the risk of injury to your hands and risks.

Here's one simple stretching exercise to try for treating carpal tunnel syndrome:

1. Stretch both of your wrists and fingers out in front of your body, extending the hands and fingers upward as if you were making a "stop" motion.

2. You have to keep yourself in this position for a count of five before relaxing and making your wrists straight in front of the body.

3. Then, make fists using your hands as you extend your arms to the front.

4. Curl the wrists, still in the fist position, downward toward the floor and hold for another count of five.

5. Relax and straighten both wrists and hands into their normal position and repeat the above steps for as many as five to seven more times.