|
What
is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Preventing
carpal tunnel syndrome
Improving
sports performance
Carpal
tunnel syndrome rehabilitation for athletes
How can I prevent
carpal tunnel syndrome?
You may reduce your chances of getting carpal tunnel syndrome by taking
these steps:
- Minimize repetitive
hand movements when possible.
- Alternate between
activities or tasks to reduce the strain on your body.
- When using your
wrists, keep them straight and let your arms and shoulders share the
stress.
-
Use
your whole hand or both hands to pick up an item. Avoid
holding an object the same way for a long time.
If you work in an office, adjust your desk, chair and keyboard so
you are in the best possible position:
Back straight
Feet flat on the floor or resting on a footrest
Knees level with or slightly lower than your hips
Shoulders in a neutral position, not forward or back
Elbows bent at a 90 degree angle
Forearms parallel to the floor and wrists straight
-
Take
breaks at least once an hour to:
Rest or shake
your hands
Massage the palms and backs of your hands
-
-
Cut
down on caffeine and smoking, which may reduce blood flow to your
hands.
Keep in mind that
the rehabilitation exercises should be continued to ensure protective
strength, range of motion, and stability.
Improving Sports
Performance
The key to improving sports performance after recovering from carpal tunnel
syndrome is a proper a rehabilitation
program, and adhering to some of those same principles after the injury
is gone.
The single most important
aspect of improving performance is performing proper stretching exercises
before and after you step onto the field, court, ice or golf course. Benefits
derived from stretching include:
- increased physical
efficiency and performance
- decreased risk
of injury
- increased blood
supply and nutrients to joint structures
- increased coordination
- improved muscular
balance and postural awareness
- decreased risk
of lower-back pain
- reduced stress
- enhanced enjoyment
|
