Carpal tunnel is a condition commonly associated with those who type for a living or spend a great deal of time with their wrists in an inclined position. This neurological condition causes pain, numbness, and discomfort that extend from the hand and sometimes partially up the arm. Sometimes, the discomfort gets so bad that it interferes with daily living; however, there are ways for patients around the Ham Lake and Champlin, MN.
1. Use a Firm Grip Only
Make sure you’re watching how firmly you grip a steering wheel, video game controller or participating in any activity that requires you to use your home. While you need to have a firm grip, make sure you’re not holding on too tightly because it places stress on the carpal tunnel nerve in your wrist.
2. Get Your Typing Position Right
Unfortunately, when you’re at the computer is a prime time to trigger carpal tunnel. To avoid it, work at a desk that offers an ergonomic strip to rest your wrists, so they rest in a position that’s not stressing the major nerve in the wrists. Stores manufacture keyboards designed for your wrists to be able to rest. Make sure if you’re typing for prolonged periods of time, you’re taking regular breaks to allow your hands, wrists and arms a chance to rest.
3. Think About Your Arms When You Walk
You might not even think about what your arms are doing when you’re walking. You want to get used to holding your arms at your side. Your wrists should remain in a straight position as much as you possibly can.
4. Watch What You Eat
What you eat affects every aspect of your body including your nerves and joints. You want to eat a diet consisting of whole vegetables and fruits, in particular, those high in potassium and magnesium because it helps remove excess sodium in your system. Foods rich in vitamin B like beans, green smoothies, leafy vegetables and healthy fats like those found in fish. You want to avoid consuming too much sugar, salt, and trans fats.
5. Consider a Wrist Support
If you work in a position where you’re more likely to develop carpal tunnel, such as a construction worker, writer, computer programmer or cashier, you may want to wear a brace or splints while you work. They’re flexible enough that you can do your job as usual. They, however, keep your wrist in a neutral position, so they’re not flexible too much. Pregnant women may benefit from a brace or splint since pregnancy may cause the hands to swell.
Visit Our Chiropractor
If you think you may have carpal tunnel or would like to learn more preventative techniques for carpal tunnel, contact Exceptional Chiropractic, serving Ham Lake and Champlin, MN and the surrounding area, by calling 763-208-5382 to schedule an appointment.
