Young manual workers with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - try this...

The following are ways in which the young manual worker can help to manage symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during everyday activities and work.
These steps don't offer the magic cure that is so commonly sought after. But those who employ the principals; may well find they are rewarded, and possibly avoid an operation. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when a nerve (the Median Nerve) is compressed by the structures that surround it as it passes through the Carpal Tunnel (in the wrist).  In younger clients who work hard with their hands this is due to;

• Flexor tendon synovitis-swelling of the sheath that surrounds the tendons which bend our fingers. Sometimes synovitis becomes so thick that stops the normal gliding of the tendon and nerve in the wrist.
• Lumbrical incursion - movement of small hand muscles (lumbricals) into the carpal tunnel on narrow width gripping.

Symptoms can include pins and needles in the tips of the thumb, index and middle fingers, aching in the muscles at the base of the thumb and forearm and weakness when pinching and gripping. Obviously this can be disruptive to those who work manually with their hands, and taking time off work to rest is not always an easy option, particularly for the self-employed. 
Some ways to help manage these symptoms include;

• work with tools that have wide grips or building up the width of tools with narrow width grips
• use tools with non-slip grips; or use gloves which avoid slip, like leather gloves
• avoid holding onto tools for long periods without a break
• swap the use of left and right hand in tasks where safe
• avoid vibration
• wear padded gloves; like mountain bike riding gloves which have gel lining over the palm of the hand & wrist
• avoid tasks which require repetitive bending and straightening of the fingers
• if possibly change it up- work for short periods on different tasks
• take rest breaks

And consider seeing a hand therapist for some exercises which can strengthen the elbow and shoulder, and also assist to increase tendon and nerve gliding in the wrist.