5 Helpful Tips to Avoid Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel is painful and can affect your ability to work or perform normal activities that require your hands. Have you ever struggled with carpal tunnel syndrome? What did you do to reduce your discomfort and avoid inflammation?

Keep Hands Warm    

Stiffness in your hands is more likely to occur in the cold, although a regulated ice treatment can actually improve the inflammation.

Relax Your Grip

Unnecessary amounts of force during daily activities will irritated your wrists and hands. Crutches, a wheelchair or a cane are common causes of wrist irritation. Some forms of exercise (such as long-distance cycling) are good for your health, but more likely to cause carpal tunnel.

Take Breaks

Allow your wrist and hands to relax frequently to reduce the possibility of carpal tunnel. Alternating activities can also help reduce the strain placed on your hands and wrists.

Pay Attention to Form

Use ergonomic guidelines to help reduce the possibility of carpal tunnel. This will include paying careful attention to your posture and the position of your arms while you work. Evaluate your daily routine to discover the activities that inflame your wrists and cause carpel tunnel syndrome, such as typing, writing and working with a screwdriver or other tool that requires repetitive wrist motions.

Stretch Frequently

There are three major stretches to help relax the wrist and forearm muscles:

Prayer Stretch: Place your palms together just under your chin and bringing your hands down toward your belly button until your forearms are parallel to the ground.

Wrist Flexor Stretch: Hold one arm straight out in front of you with the palm of your hand facing up. Take your other hand and gently pull your fingers towards your body, bending your wrist and stretching your forearm.

Wrist Extensor Stretch: The opposite of the flexor stretch – hold your arm straight out in front of you with the palm down. Keeping your arm and hand straight, use your other hand to pull your knuckles toward your body and stretch your forearm.

Hold each stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat it 2-4 times for each arm. If you are still experiencing pain and stiffness, contact your doctor for more helpful tips and solutions.