Everyday Activities That Could Lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

You’ve been feeling wrist pain. Could it be carpal tunnel syndrome? 

Dr. Peter Kelleher, one of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine treats cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. We urge you to make an appointment when you first start having pain. Early treatment helps avoid surgery and long-term nerve damage.  

How repetitive wrist movements can cause carpal tunnel syndrome

Your body is a complex machine. Each part is built for normal use. But what if your job requires you to make a certain type of movement repeatedly? Unfortunately, this can irritate the soft tissue, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons, causing pain. 

The long nerve that extends from your upper arm into your hand is called the median nerve. To move into your hand, the nerve must go through a narrow passageway called the carpal tunnel. 

Tendons surround the carpal tunnel. Repetitive wrist movements can irritate your tendons, causing them to swell. Swollen tissue may press on your median nerve, causing tingling, numbness, or pain. 

Repetitive wrist movements can also limit blood flow to the area, causing poor circulation. 

Constantly contracting the muscles may also result in a lactic acid buildup, which causes pain. If left untreated, these factors can produce long-term nerve damage in your wrist and hand. 

Who’s at risk for carpal tunnel from everyday activities? 

Do you repeatedly use your arms, hands, and wrists during work? Many professions require repetitive movements of the hands and wrists. Perhaps you manufacture tools, are on an assembly line, or are an auto mechanic. You’re constantly using your wrists and arms. 

If you work in construction and use jackhammers or chainsaws frequently or are a painter or musician, you’re also at risk for carpal tunnel. 

If you work in landscaping or farming or are an avid gardener, you’re also at higher risk. Frequently using shovels, spades, and other farming, landscaping, and gardening tools can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Many people work all day at the computer. If your hands aren’t in an ergonomic position when using the keyboard for hours on end, you can overextend your wrist muscles and tendons. 

Treatment for carpal tunnel

We discuss how you use your arms and hands during the day. For at least the short term, you’ll need to modify your activity and rest your wrist. We also explain proper computer posture so you don’t strain your wrist when working on a keyboard. 

If your pain is severe, we can administer a cortisone shot to calm your inflammation. We may also prescribe physical therapy. You’ll learn specific exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding your wrist and arm. We may recommend a wrist brace to keep your hand in a neutral position to relieve pressure on the median nerve. 

If your pain persists, we can perform minor surgery to alleviate pressure on the nerve. However, early treatment can help prevent surgery. 

Call Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine or book an appointment online today if you have unexplained wrist pain, numbness, or tingling.