Click anywhere to get started Avoiding Carpal Tunnel
- Slides: 8
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Avoiding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What’s at Stake? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) • Nerve damage in your hand – from repetitive motions • Numbness or ‘pins and needles’ • Gradually lose ability to grasp objects • Steady burning pain • Hard to pick something up or button your shirt
What’s the Danger? • Occurs when median nerve is compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel of the wrist. • Left untreated, the nerve damage could become permanent.
How to Protect Yourself 1. Stretch and take short, frequent stretch breaks. 2. Arrange tasks so you can vary hand finger motions. 3. Keep your hands and arms warm.
How to Protect Yourself 4. Stay fit - CTS can be caused by lack of muscle tone in shoulders, hands and arms – and with a job requiring repetitive motions. 5. Adjust your workstation so your arms and hands are level with floor – and wrists straight, not bent at an angle. 6. Use wrist rests - allow you to work with wrists in the correct position – cushion wrists.
How to Protect Yourself • If you suspect CTS see your doctor immediately • Treatment Options: o Rest o Job rotation o Anti-inflammatory medication o Braces o Surgery
Final Word If left untreated, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can weaken your hands, preventing you from safely performing many tasks. It can affect your ability to earn a living and your choice of leisure time activities. It is serious business.
