Lesser-Known Hacks to Keep Carpal Tunnel At Bay

How many people have realized, all too late, that they should have been paying more attention to their carpal tunnel? This narrow area in your wrist is home to multiple tendons, as well as your median nerve. 

If the area becomes inflamed, you could end up with pain and loss of productivity due to carpal tunnel syndrome.

At Twin Palm Orthopedics in Ocala, Florida, Dr. Derek Farr, Dr. Nirav Gupta, and our team can help you prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you’re concerned about warning signs of this condition, or if your work or hobbies place you at an elevated risk, it’s time to take steps to prevent carpal tunnel.

Take scheduled breaks

Some activities, like typing at a computer, working with vibrating tools, and playing certain musical instruments, put your wrists at risk of inflammation. That said, if you’re concerned about carpal tunnel, you don’t have to give up these important life activities.

Instead, use a timer to take scheduled breaks. Set it for 15 minutes before you start the activity, and take a stretch break when it goes off. Then, once your wrists have had a chance to rest, you can get back to work!

Reduce the pressure

When using your hands and wrists, are you applying more pressure than needed to complete a task? You can still type or use tools — just reduce the force and pressure you apply.

Keep your wrists warm and straight

To reduce pressure and inflammation, keep your wrists warm and straight.

Maintain a level wrist position, and reduce stress on your wrists by avoiding extreme flexion. Nighttime splinting is another way to prevent over-flexing your wrists while you sleep, a common problem for people with carpal tunnel syndrome.

You can also try using fingerless gloves to keep your wrists warm or using a warm compress to soothe your carpal tunnel symptoms. When your hands and wrists are warm, your muscles stay more relaxed, leaving you less prone to carpal tunnel.

Try injection therapy

When conservative approaches, like rest, stretching, and posture changes, don’t address your carpal tunnel symptoms, our team at Twin Palm Orthopedics might suggest corticosteroid or lidocaine injection therapy to reduce inflammation.

When you notice carpal tunnel symptoms, you need a treatment plan. Without the right approach, you could end up needing invasive intervention or extensive rest that reduces your productivity and independence.

Don’t let carpal tunnel syndrome progress. Contact our team at Twin Palm Orthopedics for diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and hand and wrist pain symptoms. Schedule your initial consultation appointment online or over the phone today.