When you think about workplace injuries, you may picture heavy physical labor, accidents with machinery, or other hazards leading to falls.
But office injuries are far more common than you might think, with millions of people who work behind desks at risk for falls and slips, as well as possible damage to their necks, spines, elbows, and hands.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a chronic condition that affects the hands and wrists. You’re at risk if you work at a keyboard or have a job that requires repetitive motions, like painting or working on an assembly line.
Carpal tunnel leads to pain and discomfort, making working and other tasks more difficult. But by following some of our basic tips, you can get some relief.
From our facilities in the Queens, New York, neighborhoods of Fresh Meadows and Little Neck, our team at Precision Rehab Occupational, Physical & Hand Therapy help our patients manage carpal tunnel syndrome and other joint issues.
Your carpals are the bones in your wrists, and the carpal tunnels are the spaces between your wrist bones, allowing your ligaments, muscles, and tendons access to your hand.
Carpal tunnel syndrome results from irritation or pressure placed on the median nerve, and several problems cause it, including:
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common nerve problem in the United States. The risk of getting it increases with age and among people using power tools, those with a family history, and women.
Other health problems, like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, hyperthyroidism, obesity, and amyloidosis, also raise your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Signs of this wrist problem include:
You may have trouble keeping objects in your hand or dropping them more often as the condition develops. Over time, you may find it difficult to use a steering wheel, type on a keyboard, or hold a pen.
This condition starts with minor signs at the beginning, often with either pain when sleeping or upon waking.
Some helpful hints for managing the pain and other signs of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
Don’t keep your wrists in the same position for extended periods. Take more frequent breaks to ease the strain on your wrists.
How you sit when working affects many parts of the body. Maintaining a proper posture helps take pressure off your arms, wrists, and hands.
While adjusting your posture, also consider making your chair, keyboard, and monitor more ergonomic to ease your strain when working long hours.
A simple hand massage can work wonders to relieve pain and help you stay productive for longer.
Splints help keep your wrists in a neutral position to prevent further strain. You can wear them day or night, when working or sleeping.
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects millions of people in many lines of work, but if you’re struggling with it, these basic steps can ease the pain. Schedule an appointment with our team at Precision Rehab today to find out how we can help.
