Dr. Otto Wickstrom, hand surgeon with Orthopedics of Southern Indiana, answers INstride’s questions on hand health. He shares tips and suggestions on how to take care of your hands whether at the workspace or on the golf course—and most importantly, how to tell if there’s a problem.

What are some ways to make a workspace more ergonomic?

WICKSTROM: Being comfortable is the key. Make sure your chair, desk, and keyboard are at the appropriate height. Try not to work with your arms extended away from your body. Keep your elbows at your side and your wrists in a neutral position. Even a small error in positioning, over time, can lead to excessive strain on your muscles and joints. These small errors lead to many common overuse syndromes.

What can an athlete do who enjoys golf, tennis or skiing, etc., which may cause pain or numbness because of the repeated motion?

WICKSTROM: Proper technique and appropriate conditioning for your level of play are important. Preventing the injury or syndrome before it develops is much easier than relieving pain once it starts. If you do develop symptoms, don’t ignore them. Sometimes rest, a change in technique, or simply stretching before the activity can help. If not, a brace or a cortisone injection may help relieve symptoms. The goal is to address the problem before surgery becomes one of the only remaining options.

What’s the best way to discern if some temporary or minor discomfort you have is serious or not?

WICKSTROM: If the pain bothers you every single day, if symptoms are constant day and night, or if your symptoms simply fail to improve, then it warrants being seen by a physician. Most importantly, see a physician if symptoms are keeping you from doing the things you want to do.

Do sleeping conditions or positions play a role in possible carpel tunnel syndrome or arthritis? If so, what can be done?

WICKSTROM: Positioning of the wrist during sleep can significantly affect carpal tunnel syndrome. People tend to sleep in the fetal position, with their wrists and elbows flexed. This position puts excessive pressure on the nerve in the wrist that is responsible for carpal tunnel syndrome. Wearing an appropriate wrist splint at night may help relieve these symptoms.

Is it an old wives tale that cracking your knuckles can lead to arthritis?

WICKSTROM: To the best of my knowledge, cracking your knuckles does not lead to arthritis. There is limited research on this topic. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. In fact, 70 percent of those age 65 and older have some form of this disease. Its primary cause is simply age and genetic predisposition. Some people develop the habit of cracking knuckles as a stress reliever, or because they like the sound. The cracking sound actually comes from bubbles bursting in the synovial fluid (a joint lubricant). While not a likely cause of arthritis, cracking your knuckles can lead to other types of hand discomfort and is not recommended.

MORE: Carpal Tunnel Indicators and Treatment