As the world shifts towards a more digitally focused landscape, devices such as computers, tablets, and phones have become indispensable. After all, these gadgets have become an essential part of day-to-day life, from personal uses to professional and business applications.
While there’s no denying that these changes have made tasks and responsibilities a lot easier, it also comes with a downside. For example, there’s a rise in the number of people with carpal tunnel syndrome. Experts have noted that society becoming more technologically reliant contributes significantly to this trend.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
You may have heard of the term somewhere before, but you may also wonder what carpal tunnel syndrome is. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition typically felt as numbness, tingling, and weakness in your fingers and hands due to pressure on the median nerve.
Many factors cause carpal tunnel, but a common culprit is the frequent and repetitive movements of one’s hands and wrists, which includes typing on a keyboard and using a computer mouse. As a result, office workers who constantly use their PCs are more at risk of developing the painful condition.
If you’re on the computer all the time, you might be curious to know how you can take good care of your wrists. Here are some best practices you can follow to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
Mind your hand’s position
When typing or doing other things on the computer, your hand’s placement is crucial since having the wrong form could inadvertently pinch the median nerve and cause pain or numbness. As much as possible, you should keep your wrists in a straight or neutral placement instead of arching or bending. You can also invest in a good quality wrist rest, which can help your hands remain in the ideal position.
Use the right equipment
Companies often provide employees with generic equipment like a keyboard and mouse. However, these cheaper devices are often ill-designed and provide your hands with little to no support. So if you want to keep your hands in optimal condition, you can look for accessories that provide ergonomic benefits.
Dedicate time to rest your hands
Avoid activities that will put unnecessary strain on your hands to prevent carpal tunnel. But given your line of work, you may find this advice impractical, so the next best thing you can do is to find a suitable and consistent resting period during your day or week where your hands can recuperate.
Loosen your grip
The workplace is inherently stressful, which may cause some to furiously type on their keyboard or have a death grip on their mouse. It’s crucial to keep your hands relaxed, as exerting excessive force can cause tension in your muscles and nerves.
Consult an expert
The opinion of qualified experts such as physical therapists is valuable as they can provide useful insights and pointers, which can help you keep your hands and wrists in tip-top shape.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, there are countless ways to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, and you can find the option that works best for you. But most importantly, to avoid the painful condition, you should listen to your body and honor it by giving it the proper care and rest it needs.