The carpal tunnel is a narrow tunnel formed by the bones and other tissues of your wrist. This tunnel protects your median nerve - the nerve which gives you feeling in your thumb, and index, middle and ring fingers - but not the little finger. When other tissues in the carpal tunnel, such as ligaments and tendons, get swollen or inflamed, they press against the median nerve and this pressure can make part of your hand hurt or feel numb or weak, and even cause pain to radiate up your arm.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most well known of all the forms of repetitive strain injury (RSI), and is caused by doing the same hand movements over and over. The condition is most common in people whose jobs require pinching or gripping with the wrist held bent and these include people who use computers, carpenters, grocery checkers, assembly-line workers, meat packers, musicians, like guitarists, and mechanics. Hobbies such as gardening, needlework, golfing and canoeing can also bring on the symptoms.

Carpal tunnel syndrome has many causes are well, like injuries, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disease. People with narrow carpal tunnel are also prone to this syndrome, that is why women are three times more prone to it than men. Being diagnosed and showing symptoms of CTS is important for people to effectively treat it. Asking advice and consultation from a doctor is the best way to ensure the safety and health of the wrist. Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the best way to have healthier body.

* Give your hands and wrists a break every 15 to 20 minutes by gently stretching and bending them. If you use equipment that vibrates or requires you to exert a great amount of force, taking breaks is even more important.

* Avoid bending your wrist all the way up or down. If you use a keyboard, keep it at elbow height or slightly lower. It's also advisable to adjust the height of your chair so that your forearms are level with your keyboard and you don't have to flex your wrists to type.

* Since you're more likely to develop hand pain and stiffness if you work in a cold environment, you may find it helpful to wear fingerless gloves that keep your hands and wrists warm.