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.

Do you feel muscle weakness, tingling, swelling, numbness, and/or burning in your hands or arms after a day at your computer? This may be a sign that you are developing a repetitive strain injury (RSI) caused by repetitive motion. In an office setting, the most common form of RSI is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in the wrists and hands. If you frequently experience any of these symptoms, try these tips to help relieve discomfort and prevent injury. As always, if your symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

Fix your posture. Poor posture can very quickly cause injury in your muscles and nerves. To restore good posture, find a well-fitted, ergonomic chair that provides good support for your back and legs. Then, make sure your chair is adjusted for a better fit; change the seat height, the back rest tension, and the arm rests. You can also add more support for your lower back by using a rolled towel or portable lumbar support.

Adjust your work space.  Begin by moving your frequently used items into easy reach. Next, upgrade to an ergonomic keyboard that is specifically designed to promote proper hand posture. Also, try using an adjustable keyboard tray; to keep your muscles relaxed, your keyboard should rest about an inch or two above your lap, slightly sloped away from your body.

Use good typing habits.  First, keep your wrists straight and flat, never bent up or to the side. Never rest your hands or arms directly on your wrists; this can agitate the sensitive carpal tunnel area. Instead, place the ball of your hand on your wrist rest or keyboard between keystrokes. Finally, press the keys lightly to reduce the muscle strain; you should never need to pound on your keys.

Take a break. Stop what you are doing and give your muscles a break at least once an hour. This will reduce the excessive muscle work and repetitive motion that is straining the area. In addition to resting, slowly and gently stretch and move the sore areas to prevent stiffness in the muscles and joints.

RSI injuries can be very serious and interfere with your daily life, especially at work.  In the early stages, these tips to prevent muscle and tendon strain can help. Find a supportive ergonomic chair to help correct your body posture and relax your over-worked muscles. Finally, upgrade to a well-positioned, ergonomic keyboard to promote good hand and wrist positions. Even little changes in your posture and habits can make a huge impact on the health of your wrists and hands.