Human beings generally take their hands for granted. Researchers, office workers, writers, musicians and, yes, even project managers all need them in their daily lives. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a painful reminder of how much many folks need their hands in order to make a living.
Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, loss of flexibility and strength and, ultimately, pain. It is possible to develop permanent damage if the small signs over time are not addressed. After all, prevention is better than cure.
CTS is not something that happens overnight. The condition is cumulative; that means it develops over time when a person's hands perform repetitive functions. However, the condition can be overcome and it is possible to avoid permanent damage simply by changing the way one works.
Techniques to Help Avoid Permanent CTS Damage
- Do some hand exercises. Move hands around in gentle circles for about two (2) minutes. This helps restore circulation since it takes the wrist out of the bent position that is normally associated with CTS.
- Move hands from the keyboard and raise them up into the air. Rotate the arms and wrists at the same time. This relieves tension in the neck, shoulder and upper back.
- Take a break from whatever activity is being performed at the time. Rest hands on the desk and look over the left and right shoulders, repeatedly. Also bend the neck forward and backward, repeatedly.
- Use ice. If the wrists are swollen, cold packs will help reduce the swelling.
- Squeezing motions of the fingers will help relieve any tingling that may be experienced.
- While sleeping, keep the wrist straight. Do not let the hands drop down to the side of the bed.
- A wrist splint can be used to keep the wrist straight. Splints help take pressure off the nerve. There are inexpensive splints that have a metal insert and are fastened with Velcro.
- To reduce pain and inflammation, use a non-steroidal medication like aspirin or ibuprofen. However, do not take acetaminophen. Acetaminophen helps with pain and fever, but not inflammation.
- Do not wrap or tie the wrist with elastic because this could be be wrapped too tight and circulation could be cut off.
People should always listen carefully to their bodies to know when to call the doctor. Not all wrist and hand pain are the result of CTS and could actually be the sign of a more serious illness. A crunchy feeling in the wrist while exercising is not CTS and, therefore, should be checked out by a physician.
Source:
"The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." The Editor of Preventions Health Books, Bantam Dell, Inc. 2002
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