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.

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