Exercises will help you keep CTS away

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an equal-opportunity ailment. It strikes both men and women, computer operators and weight lifters, bike riders and power tool operators, according to a report in Epidemiology.

At the computer, prevent CTS by making sure your form is correct. Maintain straight wrists by adjusting the height of your chair and using a mouse pad with a wrist support.

When lifting weights, keep your wrists straight as you grip a bar or dumbbells. At the first sign of symptoms, reduce the number of reps you do, or allow more time between sets.

Sports medicine doctors at HealthSouth Medical Center in Birmingham, Ala., say the key to curing CTS is to catch it early. If you have pain, wearing splints at night will help.

To keep you from reaching that point, keep your wrists limber with these three stretches. Doctors quoted in Men's Fitness recommend doing them throughout the day and before working out.

1. Stretch your right arm out straight in front of you, parallel to the floor. With your left hand, hold the fingertips and gently pull them back toward you. Hold for 10 seconds. Do a set of 10 and repeat with the other hand.

2. Stand straight, facing a mirror. Bring your hands together chest high as if in prayer. Keep your hands flat and press your palms together. Hold for 20 seconds. Do one set of 10.

3. Stand with your arms parallel to the floor. Put the backs of your hands together, and draw your hands back toward your chest, fingers pointing to the floor. Raise your wrists so they are higher than your elbows while trying to keep your hands together. Hold for 10 seconds. Do one set of five.