The carpal tunnel -- a passageway among the bones and ligaments of the wrist -- protects the median nerve and the nine flexor tendons of the wrist. Pressure on the nerve can be triggered by repetitive use or certain health issues, leading to symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness and weakness of the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome may be treated with use of a wrist splint or anti-inflammatory medication. More severe cases may require surgery to restore the hand's function.
Avoid Hard Grips
Soften your grip. Don't apply any more force than is required to carry out a task using your hands and wrists. Avoid activities that require you to bend, extend or twist your hands and wrists for a long period of time.
Practice Good Posture
Sit and stand tall rather than slumping. Poor posture compresses the nerves in your spine, which then affects the feeling in your hands and wrists. Position yourself carefully when performing a task -- working with your hands too close or too far away from your body can put unnecessary stress on your wrists.
Take Breaks
If you must perform a repetitive movement, take regular breaks to give your hands and wrists time to rest. Avoid sitting or standing in the same position all day, and switch hands whenever possible. This gives one wrist time to recover while the other does the work.
Use Proper Tools, Chairs
Make sure that any tool or instrument you use is the right size for your hand. Using a tool that is too big for your grip creates extra stress on your hand and wrist. Keep your wrists straight as much as possible when using a tool. If you spend all day in front of a computer, adjust your chair height so that you don't have to flex your wrists when you type.
Treat Underlying Health Conditions
Seek treatment for any health problem that aggravates or causes carpal tunnel syndrome. Conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease can all contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Weight reduction, for those who are carrying extra pounds, may help reduce the stress placed on the wrists.
Wear Gloves
Keep your hands warm, suggests the Mayo Clinic's website. Working in chilly temperatures can cause you to feel pain and stiffness, making hand movements difficult. If you must work in a cold environment, wear fingerless gloves to keep your hands and wrists warm.
Check Your Sleep Habits, Pillows
Certain sleep habits may contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, notes yoga teacher Ellen Serber. Avoid putting your arm under your head when you sleep on your side, and don't hold your wrists in a curled position. Your pillow should be at a height where your neck is supported and in alignment with your spine.
