Office warriors deal with office wounds

A large number of people spend a big portion of their lives at the office. They battle numbers and words with their weapons of choice: a keyboard and a mouse. As in any other activity, repetitive actions may be the cause of many injuries.
An office-person could potentially click or type several thousands of characters a day. All this, keeping the same hand position and using the same muscles to keep the pressure on the keys or mouse.
The Palmaris Longus and Flexor Carpi Radialis are the two main muscles responsible for acting over the flexion of the wrist and therefore sustaining the downward pressure while the hand is in a prone position. The tendons of those muscles travel under the carpal tunnel ligament along with the Median Nerve. Any inflammation in those tendons will cause pressure against the Median Nerve, causing high discomfort or pain known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Preventing

The best way to avoid inflammation in the tendons, and consequently preventing the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, is by using the hand at its neutral position. A straight wrist and inward rounded fingers will minimize the pressure under the carpal tunnel.
By positioning your chair or desk at a level in which the knuckles, the top part of the wrist and the external part of the elbow are aligned, the wrist will rest in a natural position avoiding extra pressure and minimizing the chances of inflammation.

The fingers will curve by default, but it’s crucial to check the alignment at the top of the wrist.

Evaluating the symptoms

The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is characterized by achiness or numbness that radiates to the thumb, index and middle finger. The sensation of numbness is more common during sleeping hours if the hand is placed in an awkward position for extended periods.
A sensation of a light electrical shock may occur by tapping gently over the palm-side of the wrist.
Some activities can aggravate the situation: gripping tightly, flexing or stretching the wrist, or repetitive motions of the hand.

Treatment

In case you suspect you are suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it is recommended to start by using a wrist splint. The splint will minimize the extreme motion of the wrist. Reducing sugar and salt, as well as increasing the water intake, may also help to reduce inflammation, and consequently eliminating the pain.
Repetitive motion and a forced posture for extended periods are not the only cause for the problem. In some cases, genetic conditions may be the cause and the situation can be addressed with surgery.
If the pain persists after a couple of weeks of resting and minimizing the motion, consult your physician to address the issue.