3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There is a bony channel called the ‘carpal tunnel’ on the palm side of your wrist.  The tendons that allow your fingers to move and the median nerve which controls some of the muscles to move your thumb are protected by this circle of bones.

Causes

Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when there is too much pressure on the median nerve.  This may occur when people carry out activities with their hands they are not used to doing. For example painting a room or typing for long periods of time when they are not used to it.  With carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve becomes irritated and swells.  Because there isn’t much room in the carpal tunnel the following symptoms can occur:

Symptoms
 
  • Numbness in the hands / fingers
  • Tingling and burning in the hands and/or fingers
  • Pain in the forearm, sometimes radiating as far as the shoulder and neck

Symptoms tend to be worse at night and first thing in the morning but they can be present throughout the day. Eventually the hand muscles can become weakened making it difficult to grip objects and perform manual tasks.

Prevention

Avoid typing or using the mouse for long periods of time
Avoid repetitive actions
Take regular breaks from the computer

 

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