If you’re feeling numbness, tingling, and/or pain in your hand and wrist area, it’s time to make a change in your modus operandi of how you’re performing manual tasks. It could be carpal tunnel syndrome, which can develop into a permanently debilitating issue if left unaddressed.
You’re putting frequent pressure on the median nerve which runs through your wrist, and this is causing pain and numbness. In the early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome, conservative measures are enough to help reverse the problem and keep it from developing further.
Let’s talk about some key tips to help you prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, and where you can go for an orthopedic evaluation and treatment of your hand pain.
Tip #1: Be Careful of How Tightly You Grip or How Hard You Press
Relax your grip when you’re holding something in your hand – whether it be your phone, your computer’s mouse, or a pencil or pen. Likewise, when typing or texting, try to hit the keys or buttons lightly with your fingers as much as possible. This pressure could be causing compression in your wrist, which is what leads to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Tip #2: Keep Your Weight at a Normal Level for Your Build
Believe it or not, obesity and weight gain can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. This apparently stems from an increase in fluid accumulation in your wrist, specifically in the area surrounding your carpal tunnel which houses the median nerve. Pregnant women are also susceptible to developing carpal tunnel syndrome for this same reason; if the symptoms do not go away after the pregnancy, see a hand specialist.
Tip #3: Avoid Bending Your Wrist for Prolonged Periods of Time
If you find that you tend to keep your wrist bent for extended periods of time, make a conscious effort to take breaks as much as possible. This is also true when you sleep – try to fall asleep in a position that keeps your wrists and hands straight naturally. This will help to avoid excessive pressure on your median nerve while working, playing, and sleeping.
Prevention and Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Maryland
If you think that you might be susceptible to developing carpal tunnel syndrome, or if you’re experiencing bothersome symptoms in your hand and wrist area, have an evaluation by an experienced hand doctor here at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder. Our doctors are orthopedic specialists who focus on the upper extremities, and we can efficiently check your health history and existing symptoms and devise a diagnosis. We will then explain your treatment options, and we will recommend the least invasive methods possible.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedists at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (410) 296-6232 or by filling out our easy-to-use online appointment request form now. We look forward to helping you reduce or eliminate your hand pain so you can get back to doing the things you enjoy!
