Because carpal tunnel syndrome is usually caused by multiple factors-including health problems and activities-the most important step in preventing it is to take good care of your general health. This includes staying at a healthy weight, not smoking, and getting regular exercise. Other steps to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome include the following:

• Keep your arm, hand, and finger muscles strong and flexible.
• Stop any activity that you think may be causing finger, hand, or wrist numbness or pain.
• Use hand and wrist movements that spread the pressure and motion evenly throughout your hand and wrist.
• Switch hands and change positions often when you are doing repeated motions. Take breaks and rest your hands.
• Use correct posture.
• Restrict your salt intake if you tend to retain fluid.
• Wear a wrist splint to keep your wrist in a neutral position and to reduce the stress on your fingers, hand, or wrist at times when you cannot control your wrist motion, such as while sleeping. See a picture of a wrist splint.

Wrist care: Preventing carpal tunnel syndrome

If you feel that certain work activities are causing finger, hand, or wrist numbness or pain, talk to your human resources department for information about different ways of doing your job, changes in your equipment, other job assignments, or the possibility of an ergonomics evaluation of your work space and procedures.

In daily routines at home or while doing hobbies, consider changing activities in which you make repeated finger, hand, or wrist movements. Train yourself to use other positions or techniques that will not stress your hand or wrist.