Is Carpal Tunnel Preventable? 

Carpal tunnel is one of the most common hand conditions, and you’ve likely heard about people struggling to work or pursue their hobbies because of it. As with other overuse injuries, lifestyle often exacerbates carpal tunnel. 

Here’s what you need to know about carpal tunnel and how to reduce your risk. 

At CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center, with multiple locations in Maryland and Delaware, our specialists can educate you about carpal tunnel syndrome and how to avoid damage to your wrists from either your line of work or your hobbies. 

An overview of carpal tunnel 

Within your wrist is the carpal bone. The median nerve, which splits into four of your fingers, runs through a tunnel in this bone — hence the name. Your median nerve shares this tunnel with other tissue, including tendons and ligaments. 

If the tunnel becomes too narrow or the median nerve becomes inflamed, it leads to pressure and pain in the wrist, known as carpal tunnel syndrome. 

The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are pain, numbness, and tingling. Over time, you might struggle to hold things like cups, pencils, your phone, and even the steering wheel.

Risk factors for carpal tunnel 

An estimated 10 million Americans struggle with hand and wrist pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Women are 2-3 times more likely to develop it, and certain hobbies and careers can increase your chances. Common risk factors for carpal tunnel include: 

• Wrist injury
• Thin wrists, especially among women
• Fluid retention caused by pregnancy or menopause
• Inflammatory conditions like arthritis
• Workplace and lifestyle 

Working in construction, handling power tools regularly, or performing repetitive motions on an assembly line increases your chances of developing carpal tunnel. If you already have inflammation in your wrist, continuing to work worsens the problem. 

Preventing carpal tunnel 

While you can’t dodge a family history of carpal tunnel syndrome or an old injury, you can change your lifestyle to avoid aggravating your wrist. Here are a few ways to protect your joints and prevent carpal tunnel from developing or progressing. 

• Keep warm, especially while working with your hands
• Mind how much force you use when holding tools or typing
• Take a 10-minute break for every hour of work 
• Stretch your hands during your breaks 
• Wear a wrist brace while you sleep
• Consider occupational therapy

If you’re struggling with hand and wrist pain, it might be time to consult a doctor. At CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center, we have a team of pain management specialists to help you manage conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. 

We offer physical therapy, wrist splinting, and alternative solutions like acupuncture and biofeedback. 

If your wrist pain is chronic and severe, we might recommend corticosteroid and anesthetic injections for more long-lasting relief. During these injections, we use ultrasound technology to guide the needle exactly where it needs to be. 

Struggling with wrist pain? Schedule a consultation with CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center by calling 240-786-1001, or request an appointment online today.