Sunday, May 13, 2012

Is Your Sleep Position Causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Think about the position of your wrists/hands when you are going to sleep. Do you ever curl up in fetal position with your hands and wrists curled inwards around your chest?

One of the treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome is a wrist brace/splint, which keeps your wrists in a straight or neutral position throughout the day or night. So if you can learn to keep your wrists in that position now, you may avoid dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome in the future.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can come from excessive writing, typing, repetitive wrist bending (for example, sewing activities), or anything that puts continual stress on the inside of the wrist. Even improper body mechanics with repetitive smart phone use can put you at risk. 

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are pain on the palm of the hand (more on the side of the last few fingers and not the thumb-side), and may include tingling in the palm and 3rd-5th fingers.

Very simple stretching can treat carpal tunnel, if you do it consistently to treat and prevent symptoms. The wrist flexor stretch video in the previous post is a very effective stretch. Hold each stretch for at least 10-15 seconds  (you may hold up to 30 seconds). Repeat at least 2-3 repetitions every hour that you are having pain. If it decreases your symptoms, you can do even more repetitions.

Finally, be sure to find a neutral or straight position for your wrists during your daily activities, including sleeping.

1 comment:

  1. Carpel tunnel syndrome gets worse with continued use of the wrist. Those who have this condition should consider taking a hiatus from the activity that causes the condition, even if it means missing work for a period of time.

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