Many things can help minimize a person's risk for carpal tunnel. Prevention strategies include performing hand and wrist exercises, preventing wrist injury at work, and relaxing the grip. People with jobs that have awkward wrist positions and repetitive hand movements are at increased risk for carpal tunnel. Prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome in the workplace is focused on ways to relieve these things.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Prevention: An Overview

Research scientists are still trying to figure out the best way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. There are, however, some things a person can do that may decrease the risk. These carpal tunnel prevention strategies include:

 

Injury to the wrist increases the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, preventing injury in the workplace can help decrease the chances of carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

To do this, make sure that your workspace and equipment are at the right height and distance for your hands and wrist to work with less strain. If you are working on a computer, the keyboard should be at a height that allows your wrist to rest comfortably without having to bend at an angle. Desk or table workspace should be about 27 to 29 inches above the floor for most people. It also helps to keep your elbows close to your sides as you type to reduce the strain on your forearm. Keeping good posture and wrist position can lower your risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

Try and avoid repetitive movements, if possible. Try to perform tasks that use different muscle movements during each hour. Break up tasks that require repetitive wrist and hand motion with those that do not.