Activities That Make My Carpal Tunnel Pain Worse

 


Introduction

Dealing with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) can be a challenge, especially when trying to navigate daily activities that can easily aggravate your symptoms. Living with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) has taught me a lot, especially when it comes to recognizing what makes the pain worse. Over the past two and a half years, I’ve learned that some activities seem harmless at first, but over time, I've discovered they play a big role in triggering or worsening my symptoms. In this post, I’ll share the top activities that worsen my Carpal Tunnel symptoms and how I’ve adjusted my routine to avoid them as much as possible.



1. Typing for Long Periods

Typing is one of the biggest culprits. Even just 15 to 30 minutes of continuous typing can cause my wrist to ache or go numb. Since my work involves a lot of typing, I’ve had to be extra mindful about taking frequent breaks, adjusting my hand position, and adjusting my posture to reduce strain.



2. Extended Mouse Use

Using a mouse for too long puts pressure on the same part of my wrist that’s already sensitive. Whether it’s for work or browsing, it doesn’t take much for my wrist to start aching. To help, I’ve switched to using more keyboard shortcuts or take breaks often to stretch and rest.



3. Excessive Phone Scrolling and Texting

I didn’t expect my phone to cause problems, but it does. The small screen forces my hands into tight positions while swiping or texting, which worsens my symptoms. I’ve started limiting screen time, using voice-to-text more often, and giving my hands regular breaks from the phone. 

  


4. Playing Sports (Like Table Tennis)

Although I enjoy playing sports, certain activities, like playing table tennis, have caused significant flare-ups in my symptoms. The repetitive wrist motion and grip required while playing made my pain worse for days. I’ve learned to pace myself and avoid sports that involve quick, repetitive wrist movements. 



5. Sleeping on My Stomach

Sleeping position turned out to be a surprising trigger. As a stomach sleeper, I often kept my hands tucked under me or to my sides, which created pressure and stiffness in the morning. The pressure on my wrists and arms while sleeping in that position contributes to flare-ups, so I’ve been gradually trying to sleep on my back (with my arms at my sides) has made a noticeable difference in reducing flare-ups.    



6. Chopping Hard Vegetables

Even basic kitchen tasks like cutting potatoes or carrots can strain my wrists. The repetitive motion of holding the knife and applying pressure to cut through tough materials tends to flare up my symptoms, so I’ve learned to pace myself or ask for help when preparing meals that require more effort.



7. Lifting Heavy Weights (Especially Over 5 lbs)

Lifting anything over five pounds, especially during exercises like chest presses or push-ups, puts too much stress on my wrists, make my symptoms worse. I’ve found that anything over 5 lbs seems to trigger pain, so I’ve been cautious about using lighter weights or avoiding certain exercises that require excessive wrist strength.



8. Visiting a Treetop Adventure Park

One of my worst flare-ups happened after a trip to a treetop adventure park. The treetop adventure involved a lot of hanging, gripping, and supporting my body weight with my hands, which put intense stress on my wrists. I ended up with significant pain for 2-3 days after the experience. In hindsight, it was definitely one of my worst decisions, but it was a learning moment for me.



Final Thoughts

Managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome means learning what to avoid just as much as what to do. These everyday activities may seem small, but they’ve had a big impact on how I feel. As frustrating as it can be, learning what aggravates my condition has been crucial in managing my pain. By recognizing my triggers and making thoughtful changes, I’ve been able to reduce the frequency and intensity of flare-ups.

In my upcoming posts, I’ll share the specific tools, habits, and stretches that have helped me manage the pain and reclaim my routine.            



Stay Connected

If you’re dealing with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, I’d love for you to follow the blog. Feel free to share your story or leave a comment—I’d love to hear from you.



Warm regards,
The Carpal Guy

Location: United States

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Disclaimer

This blog is based on my personal experience with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I am not a medical professional. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment advice tailored to your situation.

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