Habits That Help Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

by Kevin Smith Author

Nearly 3% of the people in the United States have carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful joint condition that most often occurs in women between ages 40 and 50. However, anyone can get carpal tunnel syndrome at any age, and it can often be prevented. Even before you start to feel the early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, incorporate these habits into your daily life to do your best to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome in Atlanta.

Give Your Hands a Rest

One of the interesting things about carpal tunnel syndrome is that it doesn’t just affect one type of person. Anybody who works at a computer for much of the day, as well as those workers who are continuously doing repetitive tasks with their hands throughout the day, such as assembly line workers, are at increased risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. One of the things you can do if this is similar to your profession is to give your hands a rest every so often. Take a break and keep your hands in a relaxed neutral position.

Use a Wrist Brace

Even if you’re not feeling the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome, using a wrist brace to prevent the symptoms from occurring at all may help. When choosing the right wrist brace, which you can purchase at most drug stores or medical supply stores, choose one that keeps the wrist immobilized when you’re wearing it rather than a flexible neoprene or elastic brace.

Sleep with Your Hands up

Your bedmate may tease you but sleeping with your hands elevated can ease inflammation in your hands and wrists, which is a key factor in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome. If you're sleeping with your hands under your pillow or with your head resting on your hands, you may be making yourself more susceptible to the condition. Instead, consider propping your hands up on pillows or wrapping a bandage around your elbows to make sure that your arms are straight through the night, since keeping your arms straight as much as possible is also helpful.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can affect anyone at any age, and there are things you can do now, whether you’re 15 or 50-years-old to prevent it. If you are experiencing common symptoms of the disorder, visit a medical professional who is experienced with carpal tunnel syndrome in Atlanta. Changing small habits day by day can help you take care of your hands and prevent serious health conditions later on.