How Office Workers Can Avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Many people associate work injuries with factory and construction workers. However, officer workers can also develop injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome. The condition results from pressure on the medium nerve and is accompanied by tingling, numbness and pain in the wrists and hands. Carpal tunnel syndrome can make it difficult to perform your job comfortably, but you can take steps to reduce your risk.

Consider a Standing Desk

Standard desks at offices aren’t the right height for all workers. Short workers type in an upward and flexed wrist position while tall workers may type with a downward flex. Unfortunately, both positions can put stress on the median nerve and result in carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are either too short or too tall for these standard desks, do not hesitate to ask your employer for a standing desk. Standing desks can help people of varying heights keep their hands in a neutral position.

Wear a Wrist Brace

If you type a lot at your desk job, it may be wise to wear a wrist brace. While wearing this brace might seem strange at first, it may help you avoid carpal tunnel syndrome in the future. It works by preventing you from turning your hands and wrists in awkward positions.

Take Frequent Breaks

A desk job is not physical, so you might not think frequent breaks are necessary. However, sitting too long will not just strain your back and neck. It can also put excessive stress on your wrists. To prevent this, make a point to get up every hour or so to move around. If you tend to lose track of time when you get involved in projects, set a timer.

Exercise Your Wrists

Exercise is important for many parts of your body, including your wrists. It can reduce the inflammation associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Try flexing your wrists back and forth or shaking them to get some blood flow.

Loosen Your Grip

If you have been at your desk job for a while now, you might not notice that you may be hitting your computer keys with too much force. Over time, this can cause you to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, you will want to loosen your grip.

If you developed carpal tunnel syndrome at work, contact a workers comp lawyer, like one from Rispoli & Borneo P.C.