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• Severe or persistent pain, swelling, or spasm
• Tenderness or stiffness and limited motion in the affected area, such as the shoulder, arm, or wrist

• Pain, numbness, and tingling in your hand for more than 2 weeks
• You haven’t been able to make a fist for a couple of weeks.

Self-Care

• Keep your head upright and your ears, shoulders, and hips in a straight line.
• Keep your work within reach without having to stretch or strain your arms, shoulders, or back. Don’t stretch to reach repeatedly.
• Change positions or tasks often.
• Use the proper tools for the job. Use tools made to reduce vibration and/or pressure.
• Manage symptoms with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.). Take over-the-counter medicine for pain.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

• Lose weight, if overweight.
• Apply ice and take an over-the-counter medicine to reduce the pain and swelling as directed.
• Avoid sleeping on your hands.
• Use a wrist splint to keep the wrist angled slightly back and the thumb parallel to the forearm.

Preventing Wrist and Hand Injuries

• Do not hold an object in the same position for a long time. Even simple tasks, such as hammering nails, can cause injury when done over a period of time.
• Give your hands a break. Rest them for a few minutes each hour.
• Lift objects with your whole hand or with both hands. Gripping or lifting with the thumb and index finger puts stress on your wrist.
• If your line of work causes pain in your hands and wrists, alternate the stressful tasks with other work.
• Exercise your hands and wrists as often as you can. Here are two examples:
  • Place your hands in front of you. Spread your fingers as far apart as possible. Hold for 5 seconds. Relax. Repeat 5 times with each hand.
  • Turn your wrists in a circle, palms up and then palms down. Relax your fingers and keep your elbows still. Repeat 5 times.

No

Yes

Repetitive motion injuries

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