by Sandra Wendel

According to experts, hours behind the wheel can create more than stress—it can actually cause carpal tunnel syndrome—a painful inflammation of the wrist. A long daily commute can cause you pain. So can a lengthy road trip or driving for a living.

“Repeated, prolonged gripping of anything—whether it’s a steering wheel or a tool—can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome,” said Jennifer Valle, occupational therapist and certified hand therapist at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.

Try this to modify activities and lower your risk:

• Switch the hand you drive with—periodically using your left, then your right.
• Keep your hand in line with your elbow and your wrist straight.
• Imagine the steering wheel as a clock. The best position to put your wrists in would actually be at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock.

Talking on a cell phone while driving is a risk in itself. Holding the phone with a bent wrist is another risk for carpal tunnel.

Wrist splints help. You can find them at most pharmacies. Splints are braces you wear on your wrists. They will force you to keep your wrists in a straight position.