According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, one of the major nerves in the hand is compressed. The median nerve travels from the neck down the arm to the fingers. The carpal tunnel is a passageway protecting the median nerve and flexor tendons.

When pressure is put on the carpal tunnel, the median nerve becomes overcrowded and can cause pain, numbness, weakness and a tingling sensation throughout the hand. While this condition is most commonly caused by repetitive hand use, other cases result from heredity, pregnancy, or other debilitating condition like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Here are a few alarming statistics about carpal tunnel syndrome you should know:

6 surprising statistics about CTS

1. CTS impacts 4 to 10 million Americans, according to the Rheumatology Research Foundation.
2. Middle-aged and older persons are more likely to live with the conditions than younger individuals. The average age of a person living with CTS is between 40 and 50 years old, according to the Virtual Medical Centre.   
3. Approximately 50 percent of CTS risk is determined by heredity.
4. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, women are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men, likely because their wrists tend to be smaller.
5. Some individuals who undergo surgery gain grip and pinch strength 2 to 3 months later, but some people don't notice improvement until 6 to 12 months after surgery. However, 90 percent of patients find that surgery provided long-lasting relief from common symptoms of CTS.
6. According to the Cleveland Clinic, carpal tunnel syndrome was first described in the mid-1800s and the first surgery was performed in the 1930s.

Tips for carpal tunnel syndrome pain management

If you're currently living with CTS or believe the condition could impact you in the future, consider one – or more – of the following options for pain management.

Take frequent breaks to let your wrists rest while at work, especially if you use your hands on the job all day.

Nerve gliding exercises also may be beneficial. Your doctor can recommend moves that are designed to help the median nerve move more freely, even if the carpal tunnel is compressed, according to the AAOS.

You may also consider talking to your manager about workplace ergonomics – there are various products from brands like IMAK Ergo that are designed with comfort and efficacy in mind for the office.

Instead of letting this condition keep you from completing your daily routine, try an IMAK RSI product for pain. The SmartGlove, for example, is designed to encourage proper hand and wrist position to help relieve and prevent wrist pain that's commonly associated with arthritis, tendonitis and CTS.

Check out Brownmed's IMAK Ergo and IMAK RSI products for more information on how to manage CTS pain today.

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Physical activity is a necessity for living your healthiest life. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults need to spend at least 150 minutes a week dedicated to moderate-intensity aerobic activity, also prioritizing muscle-strengthening activities two or more days of the week to focus on the legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms.

For those living arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or another debilitating disease, exercise might by the last thing on your mind. However, keeping those joints moving is a great form of pain relief and can be more effective than sitting still.

Pain relief exercises
Walking, swimming and yoga are three great ways to work your body without putting too much pressure on your joints. Here are a few other moves you can incorporate into your fitness regimen for arthritis pain relief, recommended the Arthritis-health blog by Veritas:

Floor exercises: Getting down on the floor to exercise can strengthen your lower back as well as your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. This will put less strain on your legs, knees and ankles while walking. Try the pelvic tilt, bridge and plank moves suggested here.

Exercise ball moves: Working out your core is key to overall body strength and pain relief! A large exercise ball is the easiest way to work your core without going all of the way to the ground. Try oblique and half crunches on the ball to strengthen your abdominal muscles.

If you're new to exercise, don't force yourself to implement all of these moves into your routine. Just start slow and build up your workout as the days get easier!

Knowing when to take it slow
While staying active is vital, understanding when it's time to rest is a critical component to taking proper care of your body. According to Veritas Health, it starts with knowing the difference between good and bad pain.

Good pain refers to the healthy soreness you feel after completing a tough workout, while bad pain is the result of overworking an arthritic joint and feeling debilitated because of the harshness.

If you know the pain you're feeling is good, don't be afraid to work through it. But if the feeling comes on too strong and can be identified as an arthritis flare-up, stop what you're doing immediately. Take a break from working out for a few days and use rest and ice and heat therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.

Use IMAK Compression gear
If you want to make the most of your exercise regimen and keep your bones, joints and muscles comfortable during your workout, invest in IMAK Compression gear. The Arthritis Elbow Sleeve, Knee Sleeve and Shin Sleeve are designed with mild compression to create warmth to help increase circulation, which works to reduce pain and promotes healing. These pieces are all ideal for people living with chronic pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia, overuse or other conditions who want to continue living an active lifestyle.

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According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the nerves that run from the forearms into the palm get squeezed at the wrist. This median nerve controls small muscles in the hand and provides feeling from the wrist to the extended fingers. Irritated tendons and swelled narrows of the tunnel can compress the nerve, causing excruciating pain throughout the hand and wrist, as well as the forearm and arm.

While there's no single explanation of carpal tunnel syndrome, some of the common causes include repeated work stress and use of tools, mechanical problems in the wrist, fluid retention during pregnancy or the development of a tumor.

If you're dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome, here are a few ways to combat the pain:

Take regular breaks throughout the day
Everyday tasks and activities that used to come as second nature might be more difficult, causing pain associated with carpal tunnel. To reduce the harsh feelings take regular breaks throughout the day, William Seitz, MD, a hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder surgeon told the Cleveland Clinic.

"Think about the activities that you think may be causing numbness and pain in your wrist and try to stop or reduce them," Seitz said. "You can resume the activity when your symptoms improve."

Consider setting a timer to take a break from work tasks every 15 minutes to wiggle your fingers and rotate your wrists.

Soak your wrists
Submerging your wrists in cold and warm water at different points throughout the day can help combat aching in your bones, joints and muscles. Get into the following routine, and see if you notice a difference:

• In the morning: Soak your wrists in an ice bath for 10 to 15 minutes.
• In the evening:  Submerge your hand in water that is between 92 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and gently flex your wrist three to four times.

This simple exercise recommended by Healthline may relieve pressure caused by carpal tunnel.

Practice wrist exercises
The great thing about exercising your wrists is that you can do it from anywhere at any given point of the day, no matter if you're at work, the grocery store or sitting on your couch watching television. Healthline recommended making a fist, and then extending your fingers forward until they are completely straight. Repeat this motion five to 10 times, multiple times a day to relieve pressure caused by carpal tunnel.

Try the IMAK RSI SmartGlove
Sometimes, even with a few improvements to your lifestyle, the pain can still be debilitating. To ease the pressure you're experiencing, try the IMAK RSI SmartGlove. This patented product is designed to help prevent and relieve the pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and tendonitis by keeping your hand and wrist in the proper position while you use your hand for typing or other repetitive movements. The SmartGlove features a flexible support splint, is reversible to fit either hand and contains a massaging ergoBeads pad to provide comfort and improve circulation.

Don't let the pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome keep you from completing everyday tasks. Consider these tips and purchase your IMAK RSI SmartGlove today.

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When you sit at your desk at work and type out an email, do you ever notice tingling or numbness on the side of your hand by your thumb? Or maybe a gnawing pain in that same area? This kind of discomfort may signal that you've developed a common condition – carpal tunnel. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition of the wrists and hands, which, according to Mayo Clinic, is caused when a nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel, a narrow palm-side passageway of the wrist. 

Though pain is never fun in any setting, carpal tunnel can be particularly problematic if you work in an office where you are constantly engaging in repetitive motion with your hands and wrists, such as typing on a keyboard. The recurring movements, combined with improper alignment of the wrists and arms, can exacerbate the condition and make your workday extremely uncomfortable. Consequently, it's important to first identify what parts of your daily tasks could be contributing to the problem.   

"Think about the activities that you think may be causing numbness and pain in your wrist and try to stop or reduce them," Dr. William Seitz, a hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder surgeon, told Cleveland Clinic. "You can resume the activity when your symptoms improve." 

In addition to limiting problematic behavior, there are a number of resources that can help you make it through the workday with minimal pain. The following are five carpal tunnel ergonomics products that can help make your workday more comfortable:  

1. Wrist brace/reliever
To minimize pain caused by carpal tunnel, you need to maintain proper wrist and arm alignment. Stabilize your wrist with a wrist brace that will keep your activities from putting stress on the painful area. Most options will still allow you to move your fingers freely, which means your workplace productivity won't be affected – you can still type and write as you normally would. 

2. Mouse cushion
If you sit at a desk working on a computer for most of the day, chances are that your hand is usually on a mouse. However, this angle can put stress on your wrist, your carpal tunnel. A mouse cushion, such as the IMAK® Ergo Non-Skid Wrist Cushion for Mouse can help adjust your angle, creating a more comfortable experience.  

Carpal tunnel is a painful condition that can make the workday difficult.

3. Ergonomic mouse
Another way to protect your wrist is to skip the pad and opt for an ergonomic mouse. These options are specifically designed to keep your wrist and arm alignment in a neutral position, which limits the amount of stress on your joints. 

4. Wrist cushion
Similar to using a mouse, typing on a keyboard can also interfere with the alignment of your wrist and arm. Like a mouse cushion, a wrist cushion, such as the IMAK® Ergo Non-Skid Wrist Cushion for Keyboard helps to ensure that your form is correct, decreasing strain and increasing your comfort. 

5. Ergonomic pen 
Even though you probably spend a lot of time on your computer, there are nonetheless moments during the day when you record communications the old-fashioned way – with pen and paper. An ergonomic pen will help improve your alignment as you write, whether you're jotting down a reminder to yourself or taking notes during an important presentation. 

If you're experiencing symptoms that you believe may be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, make an appointment with your physician for a diagnosis and treatment plan.   

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Cryotherapy is an inexpensive but powerful way to relieve pain and discomfort caused by a number of common ailments and conditions. Known more commonly as "icing," this effectively minimizes aching and soreness.

Selecting the right solution is important for maximizing results. A home remedy, like an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables, doesn't always offer consistent benefits, and not every wrap or brace is created equal. Polar Ice is the most reliable and effectual brand available. Here's a bit more on how cryotherapy works and why Polar Ice is your best choice.

How icing works
As Pain Science noted, it's important to remember that cryotherapy doesn't constitute a true treatment when it comes to discomfort. Instead, icing is a powerful solution for alleviating a problem. When recovering from surgery, dealing with an injury or other forms of bodily pain, icing can offer needed relief. However, it doesn't aid the body in healing from a condition. 

That doesn't mean that cryotherapy isn't effective. An injury can cause pain in two ways, according to Healthline. Inflammation is the body's natural response to damaged or weakened tissue. The process quarantines an affected area and also initiates the body's own recovery. As such, inflammation is a natural but painful part of being injured, dealing with an ailment or recovering from surgery. Usually, inflammation comes with swelling, which can pull on or compress nearby muscles, ligaments or tendons, creating a second opportunity for discomfort.

Icing reduces the soreness or aching caused by inflammation because it temporarily numbs an affected area and limits the strength of pain signals reaching the brain. At the same time, the coldness constricts blood vessels, and lowers blood flow and fluid build-up. For that reason, cryotherapy is useful in reducing inflammation or swelling and can offer a few moments of relief. 

The best applications of cryotherapy
The Department of Anesthesiology Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven found that there are many forms of cryotherapy that represent key solutions for addressing chronic pain. Some may find cryotherapy is helpful in recovering from an event like a surgery or injury, while others can find relief from long-term conditions. A few of the most common applications of cryotherapy include:

• Muscle strains
• Ligament damage
• Surgery recovery and rehabilitation
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Shin splints
• plantar fasciitis

Icing can be helpful when being used either alongside or in place of medications, though it's important to note that broken skin or an abrasion may react negatively to icing. Consult with a doctor about the use of cyrotherapy to learn more about a specific condition or problem.

Why choose Polar Ice
Although there are many options for icing a problem area, some products or solutions offer minimal relief. Others go too far in the other extreme and may cause lasting damage with prolonged use. Some of the most common places you may experience pain can be awkwardly shaped and it's hard to evenly apply a cold compress or ice pack to elbows, knees, ankles and other joints. Gravity can also have a negative effect, pulling the ice or gel away from the affected area as it begins to melt.

Polar Ice products are different because they are designed to conform to a specific area of the body and the unique waffling of the ice pack ensures that the ice stays where you need it.From the small, targeted relief of the Finger Sleeve to the easy-to-adjust CPM Knee Wrap, use these solutions to reduce your pain or discomfort no matter the issue.

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The next time you're sitting at your work desk, look around. You likely have a stapler, a few pens and perhaps a framed photo or two. Outside of that, however, there may be plenty of space for extra goodies and helpful items. Some office employees spend hours at their desk, and you may benefit from a minor upgrade. Consider these great items that can make your work space more comfortable and make sure you have everything you need.

1. Tissues
This can be easy to overlook, but a box of tissues can make a big difference when sitting at your desk. You never know when you might have the sniffles or spill your coffee. Even a small pack can be useful to have, and the Huffington Post found that this little addition to your desk can benefit your co-workers as well. 

It's never fun to be caught without a tissue.

2. Healthy snacks
A bowl of fruit or stash of granola bars is another key item to get for your desk. Opting for a an apple or banana is much more preferable than a sugary candy bar or soda that will leave you feeling tired. Likewise, vending machines or corner stores that do offer healthy snacks usually do so at inflated prices. There's nothing worse than trying to finish a project on an empty stomach, and it pays to stock up.

3. A reusable water bottle
Being dehydrated can also make you feel sluggish or even irritable, and sometimes you might reach for a snack when you really need a sip of water. Bring a reusable water bottle each day and remember to stay hydrated. 

Importantly, Eco Watch reported that the vast majority of trash in the ocean is plastic, with as many as 46,000 pieces of plastic per square mile floating in the sea. Opting for a reusable water bottle can help reduce your impact.

4. An IMAK Ergo Wrist Cushion
It's important to take breaks every so often to give your eyes and legs a break from long hours of sitting. One thing you may overlook, however, is the effect so much time on a computer can have on your wrists and hands.

The IMAK Ergo Wrist Cushion lowers your risk of carpal tunnel and other conditions that can be brought about by an office job. It gently supports and massages your wrists in a way that reduces pain and long-term damage.

Typing all day can lead to serious discomfort.

5. Breath mints
You never know when you may have an impromptu meeting with your boss or an important client. A tin of mints is great for emergencies if you get caught with coffee breath.

6. Your cell phone charger
Odds are you use your smartphone quite frequently throughout the day. You might be checking the weather, downloading a new podcast or sneaking on to social media for a quick break from your work. Instead of bringing your charger back and forth from home to the office, it's probably easier to get one to leave at your desk. 

7. A leafy plant
The right potted plant can make your desk feel a little more calm and relaxing. Likewise, it gives your work space a bit of personality. There are many types that do quite well in an office setting and don't require too much watering or other maintenance. Find one or two that you particularly enjoy and use them to give your desk some life.

8. Headphones
Sometimes your co-workers may not be as focused as you are, and distracting office banter or phone calls can make it hard to stay on top of your work. A pair of comfortable headphones is great for listening to music or anything else that helps you concentrate and avoid unnecessary disturbances.

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