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Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

You may reduce your chances of getting carpal tunnel syndrome by taking these steps:

Minimize repetitive hand movements when possible.
Alternate between activities or tasks to reduce the strain on your body.
When using your wrists, keep them straight and let your arms and shoulders share the stress.
Use your whole hand or both hands to pick up an item.
Avoid holding an object the same way for a long time.
If you work in an office, adjust your desk, chair, and keyboard so you are in the best possible position:
- Back straight
- Feet flat on the floor or resting on a footrest
- Knees level with or slightly lower than your hips
- Shoulders in a neutral position, not forward or back
- Elbows bent at a 90 degree angle
- Forearms parallel to the floor and wrists straight
Take breaks at least once an hour to:
- Rest or shake your hands
- Massage the palms and backs of your hands
Get regular aerobic exercise such as walking or swimming
Cut down on caffeine and smoking, which may reduce blood flow to your hands

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/

American Association of Neurological Surgeons
http://www.aans.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
http://www.ccohs.ca/

Physical Therapy.ca
http://www.physicaltherapy.ca/

References:

Bengtson KA, Brault JS. DeLisa et al: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: Principles and Practice . 4th ed. Philadelphia; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005. Ch. 36.

Burke D. Frontera: Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation . 1st ed. Philadelphia; Hanley and Belfus; 2002. Ch. 34.

Carpal tunnel syndrome. The Female Patient . 1997 Aug. 21-30.

Carpal tunnel syndrome. Postgraduate Medicine . 1995 Sept. 216.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: causes and risk factors. Dynamed website. Available at: http://dynamed102.ebscohost.com/Detail.aspx?id=113671 . Accessed January 24, 2008.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: how you can help your patient overcome the symptoms. Consultant . 1994 Feb.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: a practical review. Am Fam Physician . 1994 May 1.

Practical management of carpal tunnel syndrome. Phys Sportsmed . 1995 Jan.

Understanding and managing carpal tunnel syndrome. Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine . 1999 Nov.

Last reviewed November 2008 by John C. Keel, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Talk about it in the:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Support Group

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