Anybody who does a lot of work with their hands hates hearing the dreaded three words: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This condition happens when the median nerve in the hand is compressed too much, causing tightness and pain. Those who suffer from this syndrome find it increasingly difficult to use their hands and fingers as well as they used to. So let’s look at hobbies that cause carpal tunnel.
Hobbies that Cause Carpal Tunnel
Certain hobbies and activities could put you at higher risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Take a look at these hobbies that cause Carpal Tunnel and learn how to treat Carpal Tunnel in Orange County.
Repetitive Movements
The biggest trigger of the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel is any repetitive movements in the hand. This condition differs from others that might cause chronic pain because most other conditions are caused by some sort of injury or physical trauma. When it comes to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, symptoms can worsen due to repetitive motions. It is not something that is onset, although it can be hereditary. The most common causes of Carpal Tunnel include:
-Repeated movements due to hobbies or work-related tasks
-Genetic predisposition
-(Rare) Injury or trauma
Unfortunately, this part of your hand is not meant for repeated movements year after year. Depending on the types of hobbies you practice, you may be more at risk for this condition. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can make it difficult, painful, or harmful to use your hands as much as you might want to.
Hobbies to Watch Out For
A lot of people feel misfortune that their favorite hobbies cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Anything that requires the use of your hands and fingers in a repeated motion will slowly and surely wear down the Carpal Tunnel between your wrist and thumbs, causing more and more pain and stiffness.
Hobbies that can cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include gardening, knitting, golfing, playing musical instruments, typing at a computer, and playing video games. While it is not a guarantee that you will develop these issues after pursuing these hobbies, it is a guarantee that your hands will start to develop wear and tear over time.
Caution in the Workplace
Those who work in assembly lines, grocery stores, or maintenance may also be at risk for developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Grocery baggers, manufacturers, carpenters, and contractors are all at risk because of how often they use their hands and how many times they put their hands through repeated motions. If you believe that your workplace is putting you at risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, you should speak with your employer as well as your pain management specialist to prevent further harm to your hands.
How to Reduce Carpal Tunnel Symptoms
If you are worried that you are already dealing with the effects of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, there are some practices you can do at home to minimize the negative effects. Try to avoid bending your wrists as much as you can, and avoid putting undue pressure on them.
Do your best to also avoid tightly grabbing or pinching anything, and try not to expose your wrists to extreme temperatures. At your earliest convenience, you should get in touch with your local pain specialist to help you develop a personalized plan for pain management in Orange County.
Treat Your Carpal Tunnel the Right Way
Start by reducing your repetitive movements and keeping your wrists from bending too much. This way, you can avoid the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. But maybe you have already developed this condition. Then it is imperative that you speak with a pain management specialist right away to work on your pain management care plan. Get in touch with us at CRPM to learn about how you can avoid the risk of chronic pain and debilitating conditions.
