Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that people get from repetitive movements (work, sport or other traumas) and leads to pain, tingling and numbness in the wrist and hand. It’s amazing that many people put up with the initial discomfort for a while before realizing they need treatment for it. We always encourage treatment as soon as possible so as to relieve the problem quicker and easier, not to mention not having to put up with pain as well.
But there are some preventative measures you can take before even suffering from it if you do have issues with your wrist. These 5 great wrist exercises will help to keep your wrist in good shape and help recurring symptoms of carpal tunnel and other issues.
Shake it
Imagine your hands are wet and shake them vigorously.
Clench to Fan
Start with your hand in a clenched fist. Then form a claw like shape. Finally extend your hand and fingers to a fan shape. Repeat several times with both hands.
Stretch the Tendons
Hold your arm out with a 90 degree bend at your elbow. Stretch your hand back and with the other hand, gently stretch each finger back while slowly extending your arm out. Do this for each finger and thumb on both arms.
Wrist bending
Couple of exercises in one here. First one, bend your hands towards you and place the backs of them on a table. Then extend your fingers so they point up and hold for a few seconds. Second exercise is to do the same again, except with your palms down. This gives good stretching on your wrists in both directions.
Squeezing
Get a squeezy ball and slowly squeeze the ball as far as you can and then slowly release. This process should take 5 or so seconds to help your hand and wrist stretch.
A combination of these exercises will go some way to helping your wrist and hands remain in good shape and provide extra protection to help you remain out of pain and strengthen your wrists as well.
Of course, if you have a great deal of pain doing any of these exercises, stop what you are doing and come in and see us. We can treat and also suggest other ways to exercise depending on your condition.
Getting patients out of pain and back to a full life is why we do what we do. We are walk in friendly, but if you want to make an appointment, we can help you there as well. Call today 360-951-4504.
