Avoid These Activities to Prevent Worsening Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a frustrating and painful condition that severely limits your ability to use your hand and wrist. If you’re experiencing numbness, weakness, or tingling in your fingers, you may have carpal tunnel. While there are various treatments for carpal tunnel, preventing it from worsening is essential. This post will discuss some activities that can aggravate carpal tunnel and what you can do to avoid them.
1. Typing for Long Hours
As many people work on their laptops and desktops for an extended amount of time, long hours of typing can worsen carpal tunnel symptoms. When you type continuously for a prolonged period, you put pressure on your wrist and hand, leading to inflammation, which can worsen carpal tunnel symptoms. To prevent this from happening, take frequent breaks, and do some stretching exercises for your wrist and fingers.
2. Playing Video Games
Video games may be a fun way to pass the time, but they can also cause carpal tunnel pain. Using game controllers for an extended time can cause inflammation, making carpal tunnel more severe. If you enjoy playing video games, make sure to take frequent breaks every 30 minutes, stretch your hands and fingers to keep your wrists and fingers flexible.
3. Carrying Heavy Loads
Carrying heavy items like groceries or bags at once can put immense pressure on your hand and wrist, leading to more severe carpal tunnel symptoms. Try to carry lighter loads and consider using a backpack instead of a handbag to distribute the weight as evenly as possible.
4. Using Vibrating Tools
Using tools that vibrate, such as a power drill, can irritate your wrist, exacerbating carpal tunnel pain. If you use vibrating tools for work or hobbies, wear gloves that have good padding to prevent the vibration from affecting your wrist.
5. Repetitive Motion Jobs
Repetitive motion jobs, such as assembly line work, can be taxing on your wrist and hand, leading to carpal tunnel. Taking frequent breaks and stretching your fingers and wrists can help you relieve the symptoms.
Conclusion
Preventing the worsening of carpal tunnel syndrome is critical, and it starts with identifying activities that exacerbate the symptoms. Avoiding these activities and taking frequent breaks to rest and stretch can help you alleviate the pain and numbness that come with carpal tunnel. If you think that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, seek medical assistance to start the necessary treatment. Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute is always here to assist you with any Orthopedic needs you may have. When it comes to your hands and wrist, remember to keep a close eye on ergonomics and keep the strain off your wrists and fingers. If you're looking for an orthopedic surgeon in Deland, FL, contact Central Florida Bone & joint Institute today for more information.