Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive strain injury that’s often caused by frequent typing and other motions that put strain on the hands, wrists and forearms. If carpal tunnel syndrome has affected you because of long hours working at a computer, you can try many ways to alleviate your symptoms and treat your condition.
Here are some of the best methods for handling carpal tunnel syndrome from typing strain.
See a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists are trained in treating carpal tunnel syndrome, and matching yourself with the right professional can enhance the quality of your life and make it easier to still work. A personalized therapy plan will be put together that will likely include stretches and other forms of manual therapy to reduce pain and swelling. According to a study cited by WebMD, physical therapy can work just as well as surgery. Even better, physical therapy can potentially reverse the condition without the need for surgical procedures.
Certain stretches and exercises help tone the muscles that normally become swollen due to the strain and pinch the nerves. By toning those muscles, the carpal tunnel (the space between the bones and muscles that your nerve passes through) opens up and allow the nerves to heal. As part of a physical therapy regimen, yoga has also proved very beneficial to stretching and strengthening those muscles. There are special accommodations that need to be taken when starting, however, to ensure that you are gently stretching your wrists instead of straining them further.
Try Natural Therapies
Certain supplements and essential oils have been shown to alleviate many of the unpleasant symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Vitamin B and omega-3 supplements are among the best natural remedies. Flaxseed, lavender, lemongrass, and peppermint essential oils have helped some people find relief. This is because of the natural anti-inflammatory properties that these oils possess. Just like with stretches, reducing the inflammation in your wrists opens up the carpal tunnel and allows your nerves the space they need to heal. Another natural therapy that you can try is acupuncture, which involves the use of small needles that are gently inserted into the skin to elicit positive energy flow that promotes healing.
Apply for Workers’ Compensation
If carpal tunnel syndrome is making it impossible for you to work, you can try applying for workers’ compensation so that you can receive money while taking time away from your job to recover. In order for your nerves to fully heal, it’s essential to give your wrist muscles and the nerves themselves time to heal by taking time off from typing and resting your wrists in a neutral position.
To be eligible for payments, you’ll need to prove that your condition is the result of your job. It’s important that you report your injury to your employer as soon as possible so that your eligibility for workers’ compensation isn’t jeopardized. Attorneys such as those at Prediletto, Halpin, Scharnikow & Nelson, P.S. or another law firm in your area can assist you if you need help with filing a claim. Do your research and compare law firms available to you in your area so that you can get the best representation should your employer fail to give proper compensation for both your medical costs and your lost work time.
Use Ergonomic Office Equipment
Ergonomic office equipment is designed to put less strain on our hands, wrists and forearms and can minimize symptoms or prevent carpal tunnel syndrome altogether. Palm and wrist rests can offer better support and make typing less strenuous. Other useful equipment pieces include ergonomic keyboards, vertical mice and keyboard trays that mount under desks. Wearing wrist braces while typing can also help keep your wrists in a neutral position that leaves your carpal tunnel open, preventing pinching and allowing your nerves the time they need to heal. You can either ask your employer to provide this equipment or try bringing some of your own to work. If your workspace is clearly unsuited for the health of your wrists and they refuse to make accommodations, then that is a good time to seek workers’ compensation.
If typing is part of your daily life, you shouldn’t have to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. Finding ways to treat your condition will allow you to be more productive on your job and enjoy living life with less pain. Carpal tunnel syndrome may seem like a minor inconvenience, but leaving it untreated can lead to permanent nerve damage, so take care of your wrists and seek treatment as soon as you recognize symptoms so that you can reverse the condition.