While many of us do not spare a moment to think about our carpal tunnel, because we haven’t experienced the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Around 10 million Americans cannot even turn a page without a sharp pain shooting through their wrist sometimes all the way up to their arm.

CTS is quite a common problem for the office working people. However, sitting on a computer constantly is not the only reason you may develop it. Zaki Anwar MD, the pain management specialist at Pain Management Institute lists the following factors that can cause CTS:

• Heredity
• Fluid Retention
• Diabetes
• Rheumatoid Arthritis

Here are a few tips to help you keep your carpal tunnel pain at bay:

1.     Give a break to your wrists

Your hands need a little care as you work. So whenever you take a break to have some water or go to the washroom, bend both your hands upward from the wrist gently and hold this stretch for a few minutes. Then bend each hand downward and hold again for a few minutes. Flex and bend your fingers as well.

2.     Go easy when using force

You can work perfectly fine when you put swift strokes on your computer keyboard so don’t pound the keys. Neither would it make any difference if you hold the pen very tightly, it can work just fine if you go easy. Keeping your hands relaxed will help.

3.     Keep your posture in check

Don’t slump forward in your seat, it will put pressure on your hands and wrists. Keep your eyes level with the monitor and your feet on the floor flat. If your chair is tall, use footrest to keep your feet flat. Pick a chair that supports the curvature of your spine. Take a break every after every 40 minutes and walk for around 60 seconds in your office. Don’t sit cross legged for longer durations. Dr. Anwar suggests the best posture to keep your joints relaxed is to keep your hips, knees and ankles at 90 degrees.

4.     Don’t let your hands get cold

If you sit in a chilly atmosphere, your hands can get stiff and then sore. Give fingerless gloves a try. It may look odd at first, but your hands will stay pain free that way.

Try Yoga

Any exercise that builds your strength is good for joints. Yoga has been found successful in pain relief and keeping your hands flexible.

If your carpal tunnel syndrome worsens, reach out to Pain Management Institute where skilled medical staff can take immediate measures to relieve the symptoms