Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the Workplace and Daily Activities
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a painful condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. It often develops gradually and is commonly associated with repetitive movements and activities that involve sustained pinch-grip with the hands. Jobs requiring assembly line work, typing, or other repetitive tasks can increase the risk of CTS.
Beyond the workplace, activities like driving—where gripping the steering wheel applies additional pressure to the wrist—and everyday tasks at home, such as computer use, gardening, or household chores, can also contribute to the development of CTS. These activities often involve repetitive hand motions and sustained grip, which can exacerbate nerve compression over time.
Preventative measures include simple daily exercises and ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain on the wrists. Recognizing the cumulative effect of various activities both at work and at home is essential in managing and reducing the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Beyond the workplace, activities like driving—where gripping the steering wheel applies additional pressure to the wrist—and everyday tasks at home, such as computer use, gardening, or household chores, can also contribute to the development of CTS. These activities often involve repetitive hand motions and sustained grip, which can exacerbate nerve compression over time.
Preventative measures include simple daily exercises and ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain on the wrists. Recognizing the cumulative effect of various activities both at work and at home is essential in managing and reducing the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The following exercises are intended to help prevent CTS in the workplace. A quick five-minute exercise warm-up before starting your workday can help prevent work-related injuries.
Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Daily Exercises*
The following exercises* are not intended to be a substitute for medical professional help or advice. It is to be used only as an aid to help reduce the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome preventative measures. A physician should always be consulted for any health problem.
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1. Extend and stretch both wrists and fingers, like doing a handstand. Hold for a count of 5.
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2. Straighten both wrists and relax fingers.
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3. Make a tight fist with both hands.
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4. Then bend both wrists down while keeping the fist. Hold for a count of 5.
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5. Straighten both wrists and relax fingers, for a count of 5.
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6. Repeat all 10 times. Then let arms hang loosely at side and shake them for a few seconds.
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In addition to the above exercises, performing daily wrist and finger exercises can also help reduce the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. For detailed instructions and additional prevention tips, please visit our CTS Main Page.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome-Pregnancy
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Need assistance?
For further assistance, please call 323-491-6197
Sources: Office of Research Services, Division of Safety, National Institutes of Health; and the University of Oklahoma Orthopedic & Reconstructive Research Foundation. Additional evidence-based research provided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
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