Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Prevention

The Carpal Tunnel is a narrow tunnel on the palm-side of the wrist, enclosed by bones and muscles of the palm. The median nerve and tendons that aid in the movement of the fingers, except the little finger, pass through it. The median nerve has sensory as well as motor functions. It provides sensation to the thumb, index and middle fingers and the middle-finger-side of the ring finger. The median nerve also carries nerve signals that initiate muscle movements. If the median nerve is subjected to undue pressure or friction, it can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Initially, the problem may manifest itself as pain in the wrists and palms, however, may progress if these symptoms are left untreated, to a point where the patient may feel weak and loses the ability to feel heat and cold. The worst affected are the index, middle and ring fingers. The treatment may include either or a combination of surgery, exercises and splints.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Computer Users and Typists

The patient suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome must change his or her work pattern. The patient should adopt work methods that will put less stress on the hands and the wrists while using tools of his or her trade.

Posture: Correct posture is helpful in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome. Both, computer users and typists should sit with their back resting against the back of the chair.

• While working they must see to it that their shoulders are relaxed and elbows are at the side of the body.
• While typing, it is very necessary to maintain the wrists and palms straight. Let your fingers droop and hover over the keyboard while typing.
• If you form an angle at the junction that connects your wrists to your palms, then it is clear indication that you need to change your typing style.
• Position the typing material at eye level, so that you can read it very easily by moving only your eyes. This will save you from craning your neck in order to read it.
• Effectiveness of the nerves in the arms and neck can be preserved by maintaining your head upright and relaxing your neck. This will also maintain the circulation of blood in this area.

Furniture: Most of the posture related injuries result from poorly designed furniture. Contoured furniture should be avoided if you have posture related problems. The table that you sit in front of should be suitable to your height. The height of the chair you sit in should be adjusted to suit your requirements.
Software: The patients can use voice recognition software which can allow them to use computers in a hands-free fashion.

Tips for Keyboard and Mouse Use

Keyboards: Computer users can use keyboards such as (Microsoft and Apple) which facilitate the adjustment of the tension of the keys, so that your fingers are not stressed while using the keys. It is a good idea to use a slanted keyboards or even keyboards with wrist-rests. Both the approaches help maintain your wrists in a neutral position i.e. there is no angle between your hand and wrist.

Mouse: To reduce shoulder muscle movements keep the mouse and keyboard close and use the mouse gently. Use mouse rests, to relieve your wrists from stress.

Prevention exercises involving hands, wrists and fingers can help you a lot in relieving muscle pain. If you are presently suffering from it then you should warm up a bit before starting your work. Whilst you are giving your best to finish the work it is recommended that you should take repeated breaks, even if they last only five minutes. It is easy to prevent this disease if you follow the right methods and you are aware of your work habits and are ready to incorporate a change in them for the better.