The high cost of saving money by delaying health treatment

(ARA) - You may be delaying medical treatment while keeping yourself and your family afloat through the recession. But if you delay medical treatment for a problem that you feel isn't bad enough to justify the cost and time lost from work right now, you could be doing more to sink yourself financially than anything the economy may throw at you.

One in four Americans put off necessary medical treatment because of cost, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll of more than 1,200 adults earlier this year. Yet health experts agree that delaying needed treatment will end up costing individuals and the country far more in the long run.

It may be tempting to put off treatment of health problems that start out minor. But many of these, like high blood pressure, hearing loss, joint pain and carpal tunnel syndrome, will escalate if untreated, putting you at risk of severe health and financial consequences. Allowing minor health problems to go untreated in order to save money now, could mean a much more serious problem and higher costs to treat it later.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a good example of an ailment you might think you can live with rather than pay the cost of treating it. It's surprisingly common, with up to 5 percent of the workforce affected, according to the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The National Center for Health Statistics reports CTS results in the most number of days lost of all work-related injuries, with nearly half of all sufferers losing 31 days or more of work.

With people spending more time on their computer or online, more people are likely to be exposed to the repetitive motions that can lead to CTS.

While severe cases may require surgical treatment, studies have shown that early treatment with splinting and massage can help alleviate this painful condition. Appropriate splinting (or bracing) helps keep the affected wrist in a neutral position, minimizing pressure on the irritated nerve, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Massage can also be effective, researchers have found. A report in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies indicates massage can reduce CTS symptoms. While only your doctor can make an actual diagnosis, once you know you have carpal tunnel syndrome there are simple, low-cost steps you can take to supplement your own treatment, including:

* Adjust your posture to minimize strain. Sit up straight and don't rest your wrists on the edge of your keyboard tray while typing; try to maintain a straight wrist position.

* Stay hydrated. Proper hydration is essential to the healthy functioning of all our tissues.

* Ask your doctor to recommend appropriate exercises to keep the wrist flexible.

* Wear a wrist brace, even when you sleep. A special night brace is best.

While you can purchase a low-cost brace in most drugstores, a better option might be one that combines bracing and massage benefits, such as the IMAK SmartGlove. The glove delivers the benefits of two therapies proven effective in the treatment of CTS - bracing and massage. Made of washable, breathable cotton Lycra, the SmartGlove encourages proper hand and wrist position to help alleviate carpal tunnel symptoms, and an ergoBeads pad cushions your wrist and improves circulation with a massaging effect.

It makes sense to save yourself long-term pain and money by addressing the problem early. Consult your doctor if you experience wrist pain that might be carpal tunnel syndrome. To learn more about CTS relief, visit www.Imakproducts.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent