Tips for College Students with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Unfortunately, many college students have carpal tunnel and must suffer through it during their college career. With all the writing a student does, it's no wonder those wrists are flaring up! There's note taking during lectures, typing up long papers for class, and hours of studying, using our hands to guide us. It irritates the ligament in our wrists, which swells up, pinching on the median nerve in the wrist. In turn, numbing, tingling, or pain can shoot up to the hand and the forearm in response. Here are some tips that may help a college student survive college life with carpal tunnel syndrome.

First of all, take a trip down to the doctor's to see what they recommend. While you're there, be sure to pick up a doctor's note verifying you do have carpal tunnel syndrome.

Next, head down to the Student Services Center and ask about where you can register as a student with a disability. Take your note there and explain how difficult it is for you to take notes during class. If it's not that bad, then at least let them know how your pain starts flaring up and could get some extension time during exams as you need to rest your hand frequently. They will pay another student to take notes for you if your carpal tunnel is severe enough. They will also arrange with your professor extra exam time or even a separate time to take the test, with a proctor present.

If you plan on taking notes yourself during class time, be sure to do so in a safe way. For many, typing on a computer is less stressful to the wrist than writing with a pen. Ask ahead of time if your professor wouldn't mind you typing your notes. If you do plan on using a pen and paper, buy an ergonomic pen. They are sold in most office supply stores and run around $5. They are designed to allow you to write with little movement to your wrist.

Consider buying a hand brace with a splint to stabilize your wrist when not in use. Some do use their wrist while doing tasks, and if this works for you, great. However, other recommend you only wear it at night to strengthen the ligaments for the sequential day. These hand braces run from $14 to $20.

If all fails, you can talk with your doctor about surgery or shots in your wrists. These procedures are not always effective, so be sure to see what methods work best for you at reducing your pain.