Can you get carpal tunnel from typing?

Have you been feeling a persistent tingling, numbness or weakness in your hands or wrists lately? Are you finding it difficult to grasp objects properly, or experiencing shooting pains up your arms? Chances are that you might be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), a common condition that affects the wrist and hand area.

But wait, before we dive head first into how typing can give you this unfortunate ailment- let’s take a quick look at what CTS really is and whether it warrants such melodrama.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve- which runs through a narrow passageway called the carpal tunnel – gets compressed. The subsequent pressure on this nerve leads to various sensory disturbances, as well as muscle weaknesses in affected areas.

While there isn’t one definitive root cause of CTS, regular activity using the hands and fingers has often been attributed as one of its primary culprits – particularly professions involving continuous use of computers and keyboards (virtual high fives keyboard warriors).

Let’s clear things up

Firstly before we start diving deep into answering whether or not typing may lead to suffering from CTS let’s clarify an age-old misconception: no it isn’t named after turtles.

In fact just like many medical conditions “carpus” was actually Greek once upon a time meaning “wrist.” And whilst I’m not sure about where certain X-Men would stand on this issue (I’m looking at you Wolverine); but these days most people wouldn’t know anything about anatomy without Marvel movies!

Now onto our main question:

How Typing Can Lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Typing seems harmless enough right? Well unfortunately for desk workers everywhere including yours truly- repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) such as carpal tunnel syndrome have become increasingly prevalent over the years thanks to our heavily technological lives. So How does typing exacerbate carpal tunnel symptoms?

1) Doing the same motion repetitively

The nature of high volume typists’ means that their hands may be performing a set of movements for hours on end daily. Consistent and repetitive use in turn leads to physical pressure building up inside the wrist region.

2) Poor Desk Set-up

Just like good posture; it is important to maintain proper desk ergonomics when seated at your computer if you wish to avoid discomfort such as CTS or other RSIs . An improperly aligned workspace can place undue stress on your joints, causing long term damage overtime.

Here’s a few recommendations:

• Keep elbows bent at ~90 degrees with shoulders relaxed
• Position keyboard so arms are supported
• Angle screen below eye level
• Keep mouse close enough that hand doesn’t have strain reaching for it

3) Fatigue Over Time

So even if one could type indefinitely without ever losing form or having cartons of Red bull to keep themselves energized (don’t tell me you haven’t pulled an all-nighter once upon a time!), fatigue will inevitably set in after extended periods which increase ones risk factor.

Now let’s discuss how we ensure we don’t fall prey them making themselves more contagious than hay fever!

Signs And Symptoms That You Need To Watch Out For When Typing

As with any medical condition, early detection and recognition is key when it comes to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome too – since this increases the chances of better management, relief and recovery further down the line. If you’re spending long hours sitting behind your computer screen every day (what else would I do during quarantine) take note of these warning signs:

• Numbness/tingling sensations running throughout fingers.
• Pain radiating through palms/wrist/joint area.
• Feeling gradual weakening of grip strength
• Becoming awarw constantly having to shake out your hand

There’s no need to panic ( Though I’ve panicked over spilt milk before) just yet, since not all cases means you are terminally ill. In fact mild symptoms may be better managed by resting the hands or switching between alternative devices.

How To Prevent Carpal Tunnel From Occurring

Taking a few proactive measures can go a long way in keeping debilitating finger and wrist disorders at bay – so here’s what you can do:

1) Stretch Your Hands Regularly

It ain’t that hard folks make sure to stretch those little fingers in addition ton regularly standing up and stretching body for periods of time.

2) Take Short Breaks Every Now And Then

As with most things in life it is important give yourself some breathing room take short breaks away from computers every now-and-then during workdays; sufficient rest remains increasingly underrated these days!

So Here Are Some Suggestions For What You Can Do:

• Go for small walks
• Headphones on listening to music/podcasts etc.
• Grabbing quick coffee break!
   
  Ultimately, typing won’t give carpal tunnel syndrome on its own but heavy repetitive use without giving oneself ample opportunity for rest and relaxation could increase ones likelihood! By following basic seated ergonomic recommendations alongside taking frequent intervals throughout working day will keep one’s joints happy — allowing them keep producing their best writing whilst protecting themselves online.