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Preventing repetitive motion problems
Your wrist aches, your fingers feel numb, you have difficulty doing even the
simplest tasks, like opening a juice jar. What's going on? It may be that you
suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome - a
musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) resulting from repetitious,
forceful motion of the hands and wrists. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common and
affects people who use the same hand motions over and over again at work or at
home. Fortunately, it's not "part of the job." Carpal tunnel syndrome is often
preventable through proper hand positioning and hand exercises.
Why your hand hurts
The carpal tunnel is the bony cavity in your wrist through which your nerves and
tendons extend to the hand. When you repeat the same hand and wrist movements
day in and day out, the excess strain causes tendons to swell and press on the
main nerve of the hand. This persistent irritation of the nerve can result in
pain, numbness and dysfunction, not only in the hands and wrists, but extending
up to the forearm and elbow as well.
What you can do about it
If you are at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome, try to prevent the
condition before it occurs. By learning how to position your hands properly and
by exercising your hands regularly, you can relieve excess pressure on your
tendons and nerves, and prevent unnecessary pain and disability.
Hand positioning
When you keep your wrists and elbows straight, you place less pressure on the
tendons and nerves in your hands. Try adjusting your work so that you can keep
your forearm and hand straight. Use hand tools with the appropriate width, size
and shape. Make sure that you can grip the tool comfortably, that the tool can
absorb vibration and that handles are positioned to keep your wrists and hands
in alignment. Visit Everyday ergonomics for
more information about protecting your body from repetitive strain injuries.
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