Hand Surgery - Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Before you're in a position that requires hand surgery, it may be in your best interests to avoid wrist and hand injuries in the first place. Of course, this is often easier said than done. In many cases, carpal tunnel syndrome comes about not through activity, but rather through other conditions. This could include risk factors like diabetes, pregnancy, or simply genetics. In other cases, however, activity can certainly raise your risk factors. While it's commonly believed that extensive computer and mouse work lead to the condition, several studies have proven this is not the case. That's not to say there aren't activities that can lead to a problem, though. Here's what you can do to lower your risk.

Lead a Healthy Life

Getting healthier in general can do a lot to prevent the contraction of carpal tunnel syndrome. Yes, there are those in perfect health that still wind up getting it. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't do everything you can to lower your risk. This includes getting plenty of exercise, staying within your ideal weight based on BMI calculations, and avoiding cigarettes. If you have ancillary conditions such as diabetes, make sure you are doing what you should to keep them under control.

Ergonomics

Most hand surgery specialists maintain that people can do a lot to avoid injury simply by making sure they are working in the most ergonomic way possible. This means, simply, not putting your wrists in awkward positions for extended periods of time. The wrist is meant to be straight, not curled. It curls as a specific function to perform specific tasks. It is not meant to repeat this movement endlessly or stay in that position for a long time, day after day. This can lead to nerve impingement, which is the root source of carpal tunnel syndrome. Whether you work in an office or on an assembly line, find ways to do your job that allow you to stay comfortable.

Take Breaks

One of the best things you can do to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome is make sure that you're giving yourself frequent breaks from any one activity. Just taking a minute or two to shake out your wrists and give yourself a short period of time away from that activity can make a big difference. If you notice pain or numbness developing, don't wait until you are facing a chronic problem. Hand surgery is expensive and can lead to a challenging recovery. If it's possible to avoid it by getting treatment early, you should certainly do so.