Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be difficult to prevent because it often occurs following a wrist injury or a bone condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Treating an underlying health condition that is causing CTS will help to relieve your symptoms and prevent them from recurring. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, a rheumatologist (a specialist in conditions that affect the muscles and joints) may prescribe an anti-rheumatic medicine to slow down the condition’s progress and prevent joint damage.
Self-care advice
If you have CTS, you should try to minimise any activities that aggravate your symptoms.
Even though there is no clinical evidence to suggest that working with computers causes CTS, it is still important to adopt good working practices. For example, when using a computer for prolonged periods, make sure that your workstation is set up correctly and that you maintain good posture. Take regular screen breaks and perform stretching exercises.
The Directgov website provides further information and advice about safe computer use at home and work.
If you are obese or overweight, adjusting your diet and losing a reasonable amount of weight will help to alleviate the symptoms of CTS and may help to prevent the condition occurring again.
See the Health A-Z topic about Obesity – Prevention for advice about how to loose weight if you are obese.
