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The Typing Myth: The Truth about the Development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Carpal Tunnel is a condition in which increased pressure and stress is placed on the median nerve and tendons in this canal of the wrist. Contrary to popular belief, there is little clinical data to prove that Carpal Tunnel can be caused by repetitive and forceful movements of wrists and hands. In fact, most people that suffer from Carpal Tunnel do so as a result of a congenital predisposition.

The Carpal Tunnel is significantly smaller in some people, which can cause greater risk in sustaining an injury in the region resulting in pressure to the median nerve. The injuries that cause Carpal Tunnel are not typically associated with typing or keyboards. Actually, working with vibrating hand tools is most likely to cause this type of injury. Other traumas to the wrist or strains and sprains can cause swelling in the area that results in the painful pressure of Carpal Tunnel.

Many who self diagnose conditions of Carpal Tunnel are actually wrong. Often the pain in the wrist from repetitive motions may be a sign of bursitis or tendonitis. Even common “writer’s cramp” is not typically a sign of Carpal Tunnel. Do not assume Carpal Tunnel simply based on wrist pain.

Splints and How to Make Them an Ally in the Fight Against RSI

admin — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

For the person who suffers from a repetitive stress injury, or RSI, life can be very difficult. Finding different ways to complete everyday tasks can become a challenge. There are many different treatments available to control RSI and help alleviate the pain and other symptoms.

Using a splint to help alleviate some of the symptoms of RSI should only be done at the advice of a physician or physical therapist. This is to ensure your splints fit correctly. Splints are not for continuous use but for a limited amount of time each day. Most splints are to be worn at night as you sleep to keep your wrists in proper alignment and minimize the pain you have from sleeping in an undesirable position.

By wearing splints for the recommended amount of time each day as well as at the proper time or times, you can help prevent further instances of RSI or worsening of the symptoms. You may immediately notice your hands feel better and you have a better range of motion due to decreased swelling. Make sure you follow the recommendations of your doctor and physical therapist and keep doing your stretching and range of motion exercises to stay limber.

Take a break: Tips on Staying Healthy by Managing Time

admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Staying active is a good way to keep your self-esteem up and stay in good health, but being too active can be more harm than good. Excess of anything is a bad thing, or so they say. Living a healthy active lifestyle means that you can keep yourself productive without causing yourself stress. You can go about this by managing your time more efficiently, so that you work as productively as possible. For example, if you are a weightlifter you should take rest days between your workouts to prevent straining your body more than necessary. Your body needs that time to repair itself.

Let us discuss what you should do overwork yourself. First, you are going to want to figure out what caused your injury. Second, you are going to want to refrain from that exercise or activity, and not only refrain from that particular exercise; but, any activity that may work the same sets of muscles in the injured area. Third, you must allow yourself adequate time to recover from the injury. The worst thing you could do is start to work the same muscle group again without allowing adequate time for a full recovery. Work smart not hard.

How Yoga Can Prevent Repetitive Stress Injuries

admin — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Yoga is a relaxing, yet very beneficial form of stretching. Not only can Yoga put you in the right mental state through concentration and relaxation, but it can also make your body stronger, and less prone to injuries. As we preform repetitive tasks throughout the day our muscles naturally begin to cramp up, which may lead to future injuries down the road. When stretching, and doing things like yoga, our muscles are allowed to stretch back out, and strengths them. Take, for example, a pair of pliers, if these pliers are kept oiled and stretched out daily, then they will be able to open and close easily. If, however, they sit closed for a couple years, when it comes time to use them they will be difficult to open. The same is true for our muscles, if we preform the same tasks from day to day for a few years, and not strengthen other parts of the muscles or stretch them, then they will sustain injury and will not function properly. Yoga not only stretches and strengthens, but it also keeps our muscles well “oiled” so they can preform their required actions correctly. Yoga is an all around beneficial form of exercise and stretching.