7 Ways to Reduce Your Chances of Getting Carpal Tunnel

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, almost half of carpal tunnel cases (a condition characterized by pain and numbing or tingling sensations in the hand) result in 31 days or more of work loss. Reduce your chances of falling prey to this disorder and missing out on necessary pay by altering a few of your activities and equipment at work. Do:

1. Exercise. Stop throughout the day and exercise your fingers, wrist and arms. You want to stretch them out to help with flexibility. This kind of movement keeps your muscles limber and less likely to stiffen up.

2. Key lightly. The pressure from hammering away at a keyboard can affect your wrist. Reduce your chances of getting carpal tunnel by typing lightly. This way, the act of keying several documents over an 8-hour period won't put any undo stress on your hands.

3. Take breaks. The main cause of carpal tunnel is repetitive motion. As a result, throughout your work day, stop and take small 5-minute breaks. Let your hands dangle. Stand up. Walk around. Your activity will end the monotony and constant exertion on your wrists.

4. Change keyboards. Before you feel the first pinch in your wrist, ask your boss for an ergonomic keyboard. This type of equipment is built in a way that supports the proper posture and arrangement of your hands. As a consequence, when you type, your body is in the right alignment.

5. Adjust your desk/chair. Make sure your desk and chair are in the correct position and reduce your chances of getting carpal tunnel. At the proper height, your forearms should be level with your keyboard. If not, the awkward position you are constantly in will strain your wrists.

6. Lose any extra pounds. Excess weight can affect your hands, fingers and wrists. The additional bulk puts more pressure on them and the attached nerves. By losing some weight, you can minimize or even eradicate the symptoms of carpal tunnel. Start on your journey today by visiting a nutritionist and asking for a doable diet plan.

7. Rest your hands, appropriately. Reduce your chances of getting carpal tunnel by resting your hands on only soft surfaces, like pillows. Avoid plopping these appendages on hard areas because the impact applies additional force to your nerves. This is a no-no, especially if you don't want to experience any pain.

These 7 suggestions will help you avoid a common injury in the workplace. Use them and increase your percentages of staying carpal-tunnel free.