Daily Health News Blog

A reader asks, "I spend many hours on my computer every day and I'm worried about developing carpal tunnel syndrome. What can I do to prevent it?" Here are two exercises that may help. Carpal tunnel syndrome is known for pain, tingling and numbness in the hand and wrist. The condition is caused by compression of the median nerve, which enters your hand through the carpal tunnel -- a narrow passageway formed by bones and ligaments. If tendons in the carpal tunnel become inflamed and swell, they can squeeze the nerve and produce the typical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Early recognition of carpal tunnel syndrome is important because prompt treatment can help you avoid potential long-term problems such as loss of feeling in some fingers and permanent weakness of the thumb. To keep your wrists flexible and ease strain on tired wrists, you can try these easy hand and wrist exercises (but don't do these movements if you already have pain or numbness):