Carpal tunnel syndrome is a commonly acquired repetitive movement injury that afflicts office workers. According to the National Institutes of Health, carpal tunnel syndrome is five times more common in women than in men. Fortunately, there are some health and exercise guidelines that can ease the symptoms or prevent them altogether.
Guidelines for Health
Excess weight can compress the nerves in the wrist, making >carpal tunnel syndrome more likely to occur in overweight and obese office workers. Bringing “grab-and-go” bags of carrots, apples or nuts from home can help you avoid the 2 pm vending machine rush.
Smoking is another factor that may put office workers at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. Smoking reduces circulation in the extremities, which includes the wrists. To reinvigorate your wrist circulations, try doing wrist circles at your desk a couple times a day, and if you haven’t already cut out the smoke breaks, here is just one more reason to try.
Guidelines for Exercise
A well-documented positive side effect of exercise is flexible joints. If they feel tired, take a short break and try shaking your wrists out. Take a walk around the building and stretch your arms by interweaving your fingers, flipping your palm away from you, and stretching both over your head and toward your feet. A really excellent fitness program for tight wrists and hands is yoga because you spend a significant amount of time with your palms outstretched.>
Guidelines for Typing
While typing, keep your wrists straight. Do not bend them or let them rest on the computer. The keyboard should be at elbow height. If it’s not, adjust your seat accordingly so you do not have to put added strain on your wrists.
Contact a New York Personal Injury Lawyer
Workplace injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, can lead to loss of productivity and lost wages. If you are a victim, consult with a New York personal injury lawyer from Gacovino, Lake & Associates>. An attorney will review your case and determine your rights to compensation. Call for a free consultation: (800) 246-4878.
