Home » Working Women » Computer savvy » Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome If you sit in front of a computer the whole day long and bang away the keys eight hours a day, six days a week, beware. You could suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). This is a common disease that is purely occupational. However, in today's world, work without computers is unimaginable. Computer programmers, secretaries, journalists beware. Here are a few suggestions to prevent CTS.

It is possible to learn to tap the keyboard instead of pounding it. Therefore ensure that you practice typing with a light touch. Post reminders where you can see them as you work.

Identify your 'triggers'. You may tend to type harder when you're tired, hurried or under stress, for example. Pay extra attention to your keyboard force at those times.

Check your posture. Keep your wrists relaxed but not bent upward or downward. Be sure your monitor is at eye level. Correct any problems that put you in an awkward posture.

Cut back on caffeine. Drinking too many caffeinated beverages could translate to increased tension that might relate to increased force when using the keyboard.

Ensure that your arm rests fully on the computer table. Otherwise it could cause some straining of the muscles and bring on pain near the elbow.

Listen to your body. Pain, aching, stiffness, burning, tingling or numbing in your hands, wrists, arms or shoulders are signals that something may not be right. See your doctor or an occupational physician and you may avoid more serious injuries later.