Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common injury that affects people who work long hours in front of a computer. This condition causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the wrist and hand, which can affect a person’s ability to perform daily tasks.
Fortunately, there are products that can help prevent, treat and relieve the pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome while working on the computer. In this post, we explore some of these products and how they can help relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the forearm and wrist, is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow structure in the wrist. This compression can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers, often affecting daily activities. The condition is commonly associated with repetitive wrist movements, making it prevalent among individuals who perform manual tasks or use computers extensively.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is excessive pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, often due to inflammation or narrowing of the carpal tunnel. Factors such as repetitive hand movements, improper posture for long periods, or health conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, can contribute to its development. This condition is especially common in people who do intensive manual work or spend many hours in front of the computer, which increases the risk of inflammation in this key area.
The most effective treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome vary depending on the severity of the symptoms, but commonly include the use of night splints that keep the wrist immobilized, facilitating decompression of the median nerve. Physical therapies and specific exercises to strengthen and flex the wrist also play a crucial role in recovery and prevention of future episodes. In more severe cases, surgical procedures can be used to free the nerve, providing long-lasting and effective relief.
According to data from the Generalitat of Catalonia, this disorder affects women more than men, especially after the age of 55. It is often associated with professions or activities that involve performing repetitive movements, such as butchers, cooks, construction workers, assembly line work or computer use. In fact, carpal tunnel syndrome has recently been recognized as an occupational disease.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid permanent nerve damage and muscle atrophy. In the market we can find many products to strengthen the muscles of the hand and arm, to immobilize the area or to adapt the work space to prevent its appearance or to relieve symptoms.
From El Comprador de La Vanguardia we offer you products that, apart from resting the affected hand and wrist and taking analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications, can have a positive effect to treat this syndrome.
It is usually used at night to prevent irritation of the median nerve when flexing the wrist while sleeping. However, it can also be used during the day while doing activities that may aggravate symptoms.
We can purchase a Stomatex model, a light and breathable material that improves blood flow while regulating body temperature, perfect for sleeping or wearing during the day.
This model from the Actesso brand has been designed in partnership with healthcare professionals from the NHS (National Health Service of the United Kingdom) and the European CE certificate.
We can also opt for a silicone wristband. This one from the Nicechel brand has a comfortable and durable ergonomic design to give you total freedom of movement and comfort. Its durable and elastic material fits most people’s hands. Scientifically proven to prevent, reduce and relieve pain, numbness and tingling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
They are useful when symptoms are mild and help restore strength and mobility to the affected hand. We can do them ourselves by stretching if we suffer from a very mild case or we can help ourselves with tools created for this purpose.
This finger exercise kit is made of high quality A grade silicone. It is sturdy and durable for long term use. You’ll get a long-lasting workout with these grip finger strengtheners that won’t tear easily even after prolonged or intense use.
Surely you have heard about Powerball, but you have probably never questioned that it could be a useful tool for this syndrome.
The Powerball is a type of high-precision gyroscope that uses centrifugal forces to generate inertia and thus exercise the muscles that act on the carpal joints. This gyroscope consists of a rotating rotor that is located inside a polycarbonate sphere.
Its commercial purpose, to strengthen the user’s forearm muscles, has expanded beyond personal use and has made it a useful tool for physical therapists in hand rehabilitation.
To relieve symptoms or prevent the appearance of carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive movements with the hands and/or wrists should be avoided for prolonged periods of time. You should rest periodically and gently stretch and bend your hands and wrists. But, the most important thing is good hand and arm posture when you spend eight hours a day in front of a computer. For this we recommend these three products:
The first consists of wrist rest pads for the keyboard and mouse. These provide the wrists with maximum support and greater comfort. This relieves pressure points and tension in the wrist and helps relieve pain and discomfort due to many hours in the same posture.
To avoid injuries or overloading the area, it is essential to use the forearm or entire arm instead of just the wrist or hand. To this end, we propose this adjustable and ergonomic arm and wrist support. Adaptable for right or left-handed users, 180 degree rotation and very resistant. You will be able to reduce pressure on the wrist, minimize muscle and tendon tension, and also reduce fatigue.
Finally, we propose this mouse designed especially for those who spend most of the day in front of the computer. Its upright ergonomic design promotes a natural, healthy hand and wrist position. 4
The Trust Verto brand mouse is designed for right-handed users, reduces muscle tension and can even undo the damage caused by years of using a traditional computer mouse. The brand claims that wrist pain, shoulder fatigue, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis can be relieved or, in many cases, eliminated with regular use.
When the area becomes inflamed, it is advisable to take analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen. But we can also apply cold to the area.
This splint has a thermal gel bag with hot/cold therapy to relieve the pain caused by carpal tunnel. In addition to functioning as a support for the area, it is a practical tool to apply cold and reduce inflammation.
Another option of the same style is this one with a Velcro strip that surrounds the wrist and allows it to be adjusted more or less depending on our discomfort.
The wrist cold pack is also removable, so it will be enough to cool it independently in the refrigerator. Additionally, if for some reason, a doctor recommends applying heat to an area, this option is also suitable. You just need to heat it in high temperature water.
*Prices and information updated as of April 29, 2024
