10039903_MCM_OCT2021

My Wellness

Those undergoing surgery may experience infection, stiff ness or pain at the incision site and a decrease in grip strength, which improves over time. While healing, work activity will have to be modified and some may need to change jobs after recovery. Recurrence of the con dition following surgery is rare. Avoidance Although common, CTS can be avoided by making sim ple changes to how we work and play. Here are eight easy ways to keep CTS at bay. 1. Try a softer touch. When working on certain tasks, we often use a little more “oomph” than needed. Maybe we pound the keyboard when typing, use a little extra torque when turning a screw, or go too hard for too long. Remember: You are a caveman no longer. We have evolved. Go easy. 2. Take a break. Everyone needs to take some time to relax once in a while. If possible, take a ten-minute break every hour to stretch and rest your hands. Take a few deep breaths. Then, get back to it. 3. Stretch often. Does Stretch Armstrong get CTS? The answer is NO. He’s as loose as a long-neck goose and you should be, too. While stretch ing, do not neglect your wrists.

A common occupational hazard, CTS causes employers to pay over $7.4 billion inWorker’s Compensation. 6. Maintain good posture.

The internet offers a bevy of simple stretches to keep them supple – give them a try. 4. Stay neutral. Avoid bending your wrists. Make sure your workspace is set up in such a way that your wrists remain even with your desktop, or at least in line with your hands as much as possible if working on a shop floor. 5. Switch it up. If your daily rou tine or job allows it, mix up your tasks to avoid repetitive motion for long periods.

Straighten your body, straighten your wrists.

7. Stay warm. Colder tempera tures can cause greater pain and stiffness. Keeping your hands warm or wearing fingerless gloves can help relieve pressure. 8. Visit an occupational therapist. If all else fails, get professional help. An occupational therapist can help you alter your day to-day plan to avoid CTS and other work-related maladies. Š

THODONAL / STOCK.ADOBE.COM

REFERENCES Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Carpal tunnel syndrome. Cleveland clinic.org. Retrieved from my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseas es/4005-carpal-tunnel-syndrome Harvard Medical School. (2014). Can you avoid carpal tunnel syndrome? Harvard.edu. Retrieved from health.harvard.edu/pain/ can-you-avoid-carpal-tunnel-syndrome National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet. NIH.gov. Retrieved from ninds.

nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Carpal Tunnel-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet Orthopedic Center of Arlington. (2021). 11 astounding carpal tunnel statistics. Orthoarlington.com. Retrieved from orthoarlington. com/contents/patient-info/conditions-procedures/11-astound ing-carpal-tunnel-statistics Wheeler, T. (2021). 9 things you can do to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. WebMD.Com. Retrieved from webmd.com/pain-man agement/carpal-tunnel/how-can-i-prevent-carpal-tunnel-syndrome

130

MYCITYMAG.COM