If your work requires you to spend eight or more hours a day in front of a computer, then carpal tunnel syndrome is a very real concern. At the same time, office workers are not the only people who have to worry about developing this condition. Any occupation which involves repetitive hand or wrist motion can place you at risk, as can hobbies like knitting. Here are some things you can do to prevent this problem.

Health - While there are a lot of different factors which can increase your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, there are also ways to help prevent its development. One of the most important of these is to maintain a healthy weight. Numerous studies have confirmed that people who are overweight or obese are more likely to suffer from the condition, so if you're worried about developing repetitive motion injuries, getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet may help.

Avoid smoking - Smoking is a repetitive motion. Studies have shown that the circulation in your hands is affected after smoking cigarettes and this increases the probability of damage. Smokers should exercise caution when doing repetitive motions and consider quitting their habit.

Ergonomically correct environment - Get a chair with proper support and correctly position items on your desk, such as the monitor, keyboard and even your mouse. Take the time to ensure that you are keeping proper body mechanics at all time as this will help you to offset the chance of experiencing carpal tunnel. In many cases this simply means sitting up straight and keeping your elbows close to your body.

If you're looking for a way to offset the risk of an occupation which necessarily involves repetitive hand and wrist motions, it may be a good idea to invest in office furniture equipment which helps to encourage better posture. You can find chairs, desks, keyboards and other items which are designed with this goal in mind.

Take a Break - One of the most important techniques for preventing this condition is to take short breaks at regular intervals throughout your day. Get up from your desk, take a little walk around and do some hand and wrist stretches before you sit back down at your work station. This breaks up your day and actually helps you stay alert and focused on your work as well as reducing your risk of hand or wrist injury.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is painful and can be debilitating, but it's also fairly easy to prevent. If your occupation or hobbies place you at an elevated risk for repetitive motion injuries, then it's important to consider your risks and take action to minimize them. A little prevention goes a long way - and since it could save you from having to have surgery later on, it's well worth working to avoid suffering from this type of injury.