Do you know that one in every three people per a thousand yearly In the United States suffers from CTS or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Surprisingly, the US has a 50 for every 1000 CTS prevalence similar to the majority of the most developed countries.
If your profession or favorite activity exerts a lot of strain on your wrists, the median nerve becomes inflamed, leading to CTS. This nerve supplies sensation to your thumb and fingers except for your pinky. It passes through your wrist via the carpal tunnel, a narrow passage comprised of bone and ligament.
Due to the swelling in the wrist, the passageway becomes congested. Your fingers may experience tingling and numbness. Your hands and wrists may no longer function if you do not get treatment for CTS as soon as possible. This is not something you should ignore.
You can prevent this with the five best preventive measures for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome we’ve listed below.
1. Try a Softer Touch
The most common cause of CTS is using a computer keyboard and a mouse that requires repetitive motions and a pounding touch.
To avoid it is to work smarter, not harder. If you must use a computer, try to avoid repetitive motions and use a keyboard with a lighter touch. That way, you’ll type with less effort and lessen the risk of CTS.
2. Use Your Hands in a Supporting and Protective Way
It’s important, especially for people suffering from CTS, to protect and support your hands and wrists. The best way you can do this is by wearing ergonomically designed support.
Furthermore, wear a wrist splint at night to prevent your median nerve from getting squeezed at an angle during sleep. Doing that can avoid the irritation that leads to the dreaded CTS.
3. Give Yourself a Break
Give your hands a rest if the work is too overwhelming. Doing that can reduce the amount of pressure on your median nerve. Try to take short breaks in between heavy work or CTS-inducing activities, and get the blood flowing in your body, especially your limbs, with some stretching exercises.
On the other hand, avoid extreme wrist extension tasks, such as using a screwdriver, because doing that can just make CTS worse.
4. Do the Right Exercises
With the right exercises, you can prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and protect your hands and wrists. Again, stretching helps tremendously to prepare your body for any physical activity. Moreover, you can prevent tendonitis, a painful inflammation of the tendons that connect muscles to the bone.
A good way to exercise your wrists is to flex and rotate them, including rotating your palms backward. The stretches you can do to relax your hands and wrists include opening and closing them repeatedly and keeping your palms open. At the same time, they’re turned in toward each other and tilting your hands side to side. These exercises can prevent CTS.
5. Ice It
To ease swelling in your wrists, try applying ice to the area. This way, you can relieve pain and reduce swelling, reducing the pressure on your median nerve.
If your wrists are severely swollen or painful, don’t wait to seek help. Remember, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be painful and debilitating, but it can be treated.
Conclusion
Carpal tunnel syndrome is getting increasingly prevalent. Many individuals are unaware of how to maintain healthy hands and wrists. To avoid or lessen the consequences of CTS, use a gentle touch on your keyboard and mouse. Wear wrist support and take breaks with your hands. It is critical to obtain adequate rest, consume a nutritious diet, and exercise regularly.
Patients with hand discomfort might get relief at North Florida Hand and Wrist. We are a cutting-edge surgical center staffed by a devoted team of practitioners whose main purpose is to alleviate any hand or wrist pain you may be experiencing. In addition to carpal tunnel surgery, we believe in treating the problem naturally. Speak to our orthopedic hand specialist now to schedule a check-up.
