Can I Do Anything to Prevent My Hand Pain?
Here are some great ways to minimize pain so you can do the things you enjoy:
- Proper Posture.
- Relieve stress on your nerves by keeping your wrist in a neutral position, especially when using a keyboard.
- Stress on the spine can also affect the nerves in your hand. Standing and sitting up straight will keep the spine in its natural alignment. If you have a desk job, stand and stretch every 20 minutes to prevent slouching. Proper form saves your spine from undue stress.
- Exercises to strengthen the back and shoulder muscles will help your posture. Talk with your physician before starting an exercise program.
- Proper Techniques.
- Lifting with your legs instead of your back not only helps your lower back but your neck as well. An unhealthy neck can cause pain to radiate to the hand.
- Carrying heavy objects, such as baby seats, on one side of the body is also a recipe for pain. Give yourself frequent breaks and alternate hands.
- Limit repeated movements that involve the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful overuse injury that results from activities such as typing or swinging a hammer.
- Home Remedies.
- Wrist splints keep your wrists in a neutral position and help overuse injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Find them at your local pharmacy.
- Ask your physician if you can take over-the-counter medications such as Aleve or ibuprofen as it can help with inflammation and pain.
- Certain fruits have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. We’ve combined a few of these in a refreshing smoothie recipe!
- Believe it or not, smoking worsens pain. Read our smoking blog for more information and tips to quit.
We’d love to know if these tips help you. If you have any tips or suggestions of your own, use the comment box below. We are eager to hear them!