CTS

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has been around awhile, but is being reported more and more frequently as our computer usage goes up.  Not only do we type, text, and mouse all day at work, we do it on the way to work, on the way home, and at home for personal time.  Plus, possibly quite unaware of it, we strain our wrists as we sleep.  If you don't believe it, pay attention tonight as you position yourself to fall asleep.  Check out all the crazy positions you try out as you attempt to find the perfect sleep spot.  Often, we prop ourselves on our sides by our wrist(s) or just fold them funny as we tuck in.  Thus, our poor wrists never catch a break- not even at rest time!  This problem is only worsened with pregnant women, who are already swollen and have a fairly high chance of experiencing CTS during their pregnancies.  Pregnant women are known for interesting sleep positions, so they, too, stress out their wrists as they toss and turn throughout the night.

It may seem as if CTS is an inevitable part of a computer-users' life.  Fortunately, that is not true.  First, be on the look-out for the symptoms: pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in any part of your hand, wrist, or fingers.  Next, check out the following habit and posture changes you should make immediately.

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  Correct your posture.  You may not realize that there is proper and improper hand and wrist positioning.  Essentially, DON'T bend or cock your wrists.  DO everything you can to avoid cocking or bending of your wrists.  If you feel pain as you are typing, texting, or mousing, stop what you are doing and re-position yourself.

• Try ergonomic products.  In particular, an ergonomic keyboard is designed to better your hands, while an ergonomic mouse makes mousing more natural and less straining for your wrists.  Regardless of what keyboard and mouse you're using, be sure to keep them side-by-side and on the same surface to reduce movement and therefore injury.  So, lastly, a keyboard tray will store both and at a lower spot so your arms, wrists, and hands can work more comfortably.
• Wear a wrist splint. If you're already experiencing wrist pain, one of the trouble spots is night time.  So often, we flex our wrists and sleep with them in quite odd positions, never even aware of it.  Thus, wearing a wrist splint at night time can protect you from doing more harm.

Using an ergonomic keyboard and ergonomic mouse at work and wearing a wrist splint at night can greatly reduce wrist pain and injury so you can keep working without excessive pain.

While Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has been a medical condition for quite some time, more and more people are reporting pain in their wrists and hands as a result of their computer-related work.  It used to be that musicians and hand-workers suffered in the sensitive carpal tunnel area, but now anyone who repeatedly uses their hands and wrists to type, mouse, or text can be a victim of CTS.  

Read below for a definition, symptoms, and some ergonomic tips to help you escape the pain and discomfort of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition named for the long, thin passageway known as the carpal tunnel.  The tunnel is about the size of your thumb and is on the palm side of your hand; it is surrounded by ligaments and bones.  The tunnel serves as a protective barrier for the median nerve that runs through the arm and into the wrist, hand, and fingers. This essential nerve sends the signal to bend and move the fingers. That's why straining this tunnel can be so painful- it is the center for all major hand, wrist, and finger movements.  When certain movements are repeated frequently or excessive pressure is put on this particular area, a host of symptoms may appear, often making the simplest of tasks difficult and even painful for many.

What Are Some Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

You'll typically notice pain in the hand, wrist, or fingers.  Some people feel burning, tingling, or even numbness in those areas, which can be not only frightening but a real liability for work. If you notice any pain, burning, tingling, or numbness, do not hesitate to contact a doctor, and at the very least spend time correcting your typing posture and habits. Check out the tips below to avoid the onset of CTS and find relief.

Tips for Relief of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Correct your posture.  You may not realize that there is proper and improper hand and wrist positioning.  Essentially, DON'T bend or cock your wrists.  DO everything you can to avoid cocking or bending of your wrists.  If you feel pain as you are typing, texting, or mousing, stop what you are doing and re-position yourself.

• Try ergonomic products.  In particular, an ergonomic keyboard is designed to better your hands, while an ergonomic mouse makes mousing more natural and less straining for your wrists.  Regardless of what keyboard and mouse you're using, be sure to keep them side-by-side and on the same surface to reduce movement and therefore injury.  So, lastly, a keyboard tray will store both and at a lower spot so your arms, wrists, and hands can work more comfortably.
• Wear a wrist splint. If you're already experiencing wrist pain, one of the trouble spots is night time.  So often, we flex our wrists and sleep with them in quite odd positions, never even aware of it.  Thus, wearing a wrist splint at night time can protect you from doing more harm.

Using an ergonomic keyboard and ergonomic mouse at work and wearing a wrist splint at night can greatly reduce wrist pain and injury.

Christmas Gift-Giving without Feeling Stressed

Not too long ago, we posted some tips for avoiding holiday stress, such as making lists and shopping online.In fact, just to remind you without even leaving this page, here they are:

4 Tips for Avoiding Holiday Stress

1. Make lists and prioritize daily.  Make a to-do list of activities you must compete for the holidays.  This list should be specific and date oriented. For example, instead of listing “get for the Christmas party at my house”, break down each aspect of your party with a target date for completion.  The more specific your tasks, the better. Making a general list sets you up to leave something out. Always set the dates early so you’re not in a frenzy to get the task complete.  Review and update your list on a daily basis.
2. *Shop online.  A lot of time is spent driving all over town as you shop.  Make your shopping list early.  Almost anything on your list can be found online. Sit down one evening, take your list, get focused only on shopping, and begin. You’ll be amazed just how much shopping you can get done in only one evening.
3. Make time for yourself. Even if it is only one or two hours per week, take time for yourself.  Make a list of things you’d like to do that relax and refresh you. Read a book.  Get a massage. Watch a movie.  Whatever it takes to clear your mind and refresh you… do it!  You’ll be rewarded with more energy and a peaceful attitude.
4. Don’t over-commit.  During the holiday season there are lots of things to do and many organizations and groups clamoring for your time. Choose your activities wisely and commit only to the ones you consider most important. Otherwise you’ll be anxious for the holidays to be over so you can get some rest.

Top 5 Ergo Gifts

• Ergonomic Keyboards: Give the gift of ergonomic comfort where they need it the most!  From small or large hands to lefties, ergonomic keyboards offer simply better lay-outs and fit for any hands.
• Ergonomic Mice: Another must-have for fit and ease of mousing with fewer cramps and strains.  The right fit will keep a hand from feeling tight, stiff, or crampy after periods of use.  Usually, a handshake grip or contoured fit will feel most natural and keep the forearm form twisiting to grip the mouse.
• Portable lumbar support:  Instead of an expensive ergo chair, why not give the gift of back support?  That way whoever receives it can have the support they need wherever they are!
• Mouse/Hand Warmer Pouch: Offices can be cold- this is a comfortable, affordable, practical gift for that can't stay warm friend who wears 2 sweaters to work.
• Energy-Saver Power Strip:  Have a green family member or friend who loves the environment as much as he loves saving money?  This super-practical gift will keep on giving as it saves energy and money.

Ergonomic gifts are truly the best for the hard to shop for or the practical individual...but truly, anyone can enjoy and appreciate a comfortable gift.

Halloween is coming! As my kids talk about it, I have also been considering what really scares me. I was thinking back to the few months where is had the initial signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I am really thankful I found good advice to improve and avoid it. As a freelance writer, long term injury in my wrists is indeed a scary thought. Take a few moments to learn how to protect yourself.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the compression, or constriction, of the important median nerve traveling through the sensitive carpal tunnel area in your wrist. It is often associated with the repetitive typing. The main symptom is numbness in the thumb and half of the fingers. You may also experience tingling, burning sensations and a loss of gripping strength. Some people have swelling in the hand that worsens overnight. For me, it was numbness in my thumb and pain in my wrist and forearm, that would often spread through my arm and shoulder by the end of the day.

How can you prevent CTS?

CTS is most commonly believed to result from pressure on the carpal tunnel area caused by poor posture and overworked muscles. Here are some important tips for healthier keyboarding habits:

• Improve your posture. Good posture is the key to injury-free, pain-free typing. Start with a good ergonomic chair for proper support. Adjustable lumbar support can be easily added to any chair, or, in a pinch, try a rolled up towel. Also, make sure your feet rest firmly on the ground.
• Adjust your keyboard. You keyboard should be slightly lower than height of your elbows, about an inch or two above your lap. It can also relieve write pressure to have the keyboard sloping slightly away from your body. An easy-to-use keyboard tray provides the best flexibility for keyboard position and angle.
• Use correct hand positions. These keyboarding techniques can keep you from injuring the muscles and tendons in your wrists. 1) Your hands should lightly hover over the keys while you are typing. 2) Never rest the weight of your hands or arms directly on your wrists; this puts pressure on the sensitive carpal tunnel area. Between keystrokes, you can rest on the ball of your hand. 3) Keep your hands and fingers curved, as if you are loosely holding a golf ball.  A good, ergonomic keyboard helps supports good hand posture. Try out several different shapes and sizes to find one that feels comfortable to you.
• Press the keys lightly. There is no need to pound on the keys. A light touch will help minimize the work and pressure for your muscles.
• Never stretch or reach for a key. Move your entire hand and arm when pressing the higher keys, such as the numbers. Also, remember always use both hands for two-key combos. If you use your Shift key (or Ctrl or Alt) with an additional key, press the Shift key with one hand and the second key with the opposite hand.  Stretching or straining to press higher keys or two keys at once adds incredible pressure to your sensitive wrist tendons.

Carpal tunnel injuries can be very serious and cause significant discomfort. A good, ergonomic keyboard encourages you to use proper hand positions, and a flexible keyboard tray allow for the perfect placement to minimize wrist pressure. If you catch it early, you can establish simple effective habits that reduce pain and prevent further any injury.