Top Tips for avoiding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

As personal computers and mobile communication devices become a bigger part of our everyday lives, more and more people are complaining of hand and wrist injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other forms of RSI.

CTS is caused by inflamed tissues pressing on the median nerve, which provides sensation to the thumb and three larger fingers. This in turn causes numbness and pain in the hand.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons last month published a set of guidelines to help prevent the development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
- Avoid any activities which involve excessive and repetitive up-and-down and side-to-side movements of the wrist.
- Watch your posture and hand position when working - keep your wrists parallel and your elbows at 90 degrees to your desk. Try to ensure the arm, wrist and hand remain in a straight line.
- Take a break regularly - get up and stretch.
- Avoid direct pressure on the heel of the hand, such as pushing yourself up from your chair.
- Don't wear tight or restrictive jewellery on your wrists or clothing with tight elastic sleeves.

Use your computer mouse with care:

Your hand should be open and relaxed
- Don't squeeze or grip it
- Use your whole arm to move the mouse, don't twist with the wrist
- Don't use a wrist rest - this places pressure on the Carpal Tunnel
- Keep the mouse close to the keyboard

Chiropractor Shane Moss added "If you experience any pain, stiffness or discomfort in your hand or wrist, you need to see a specialist. RSI and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are increasingly common.

However, wrist pain isn't always caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If you have tension or trapped nerves in the shoulders, back or higher up in the arm, these can all lead to symptoms just like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If you correct your posture and get some remedial treatment early, it's fairly easy to deal with".

Friday, 4 October 2002