Hand & Wrist Positions for Relieving Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain

Video Transcript

"Hi! I’m Monica. Today I’m going to show you some things that you want to avoid if you have carpal tunnel syndrome or might think that you are starting to develop it. First of all, the biggest thing that leads to carpal tunnel is repetitive use of your hand or your fingers. Typing is the classic overuse syndrome. People are stuck at their computer desks typing away all day. Over time, it might lead to carpal tunnel, because overusing these tendons that also go through the carpal tunnel as well as that nerve, tend to build up the sheaths that surround the tendon. There is less room for the tendons to move, less room for the nerve, and so things get pinched up. Another thing you should avoid is when you hyper-flex or hyperextend your wrist during sleeping. Again, you are going to be closing off that carpal tunnel right there, either direction that you do, and if it’s in that position for a long period of time it’s just going to be cutting off some of the circulation or blood supply to the nerve. Same thing if you are doing hyperextension type of stuff of hyperflexion and trying to do heavy loads or pressing down with your hand for longer periods of time that can also be a problem. The other couple of things that you might need to watch out for is vibration to this area or through the hands for longer period of time or cold for long period of time to this part of your hand as well. "