Whether you are a secretary, a baker, or a graphic designer, carpal tunnel syndrome can get in the way of your workweek and make it hard to focus. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help prevent and relieve carpal tunnel symptoms while at work.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Pain?

Carpal tunnel pain is a common ailment that may cause discomfort when working.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in your wrist, is compressed between a bone and the ligament on either side of it. This happens when repetitive motion or awkward positioning of your hand leads to inflammation and swelling in the tissues.

Work activities such as typing on a keyboard, using hand tools, or cleaning can lead to carpal tunnel pain at work. In addition, if you are overweight, smoke cigarettes, or drink alcohol, you are also at a higher risk of developing the condition.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

When the median nerve is compressed, it can cause several symptoms. The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are pain, numbness, and tingling. In some cases, you might also feel as if your fingers are falling asleep or burning. You might experience these symptoms all the time or only when you are using your hands for particular activities.

If the condition is left untreated, it may lead to permanent nerve damage. Carpal tunnel syndrome might cause you to lose strength in your hand or even experience difficulty using your fingers.

Tips for Preventing Carpal Tunnel Pain at Work

If you are starting to experience symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome while at work, there are a few things you can do to help relieve the pain.

If you work with your hands all day, make sure to take a break every hour and move your hands around. Try simple exercises such as rotating your wrists or curling and straightening your fingers. You can also stretch your wrists by placing your palms down on a flat surface and pushing them down gently. Be sure to practice safe hand and wrist movements to prevent further injury.

If you are experiencing carpal tunnel pain at work, it might be time to invest in some ergonomic tools or devices. Many products on the market may help relieve pressure and inflammation in your wrist.

If your job requires lots of typing, try using a wrist rest to keep your hands in a neutral position. Switching to a V-shaped keyboard may also help reduce the strain on your hands.

If you are experiencing numbness or tingling in your fingers, try wearing a compression glove or wrist brace to help reduce the swelling. Take breaks as needed and try to keep your hands and wrists aligned with your forearms.

Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If carpal tunnel syndrome becomes a chronic problem, you might want to seek professional treatment. There are surgical procedures that can help relieve pressure on the median nerve and prevent further damage in the future. Treatment options for carpal tunnel pain include:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatments at Comprehensive Medical Care

While self-treatments may provide temporary relief, the experts at Comprehensive Medical Care may help you find a long-term solution for carpal tunnel pain. At Comprehensive Medical Care, we specialize in micro-invasive carpal tunnel release surgery. This procedure provides patients with a faster recovery time and minimal scarring compared to traditional surgical methods.

To find out how Comprehensive Medical Care may be able to help relieve your carpal tunnel pain, schedule a free consultation or give us a call at (732) 537-8217 today.