Did You Kickstart A Painful Condition With Your Online Shopping?

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Americans set a record this week. Monday was the biggest online shopping day. In November, Americans spent almost $40 billion online shopping.

All that clicking and typing can come with another cost. "Patients are getting awakened in the middle of the night and their hand is tingling and it feels funny," said Dr. Brian Kozar, an orthopedic surgeon.

Doctors say carpal tunnel syndrome can flare up if you're not using the computer properly. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway at the base of your hand. Overuse, or misuse can cause swelling that narrows the tunnel and pinches your nerve.

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The keyboard should be at, or slightly lower than, your elbows. Use a pad to help keep your wrists level and straight. A vertical mouse takes pressure off the wrist. Instead of gripping, you move it with your elbow.

Doctors say if you've already lost strength in your hand, or have consistent tingling and numbness, there are other solutions.

Other treatments for carpal tunnel include steroid injections or anti-inflammatory medications.

Extreme cases may require a 20-minute outpatient procedure to relieve the pressure. That will stop nerve damage from getting worse, but cannot reverse the damage that has been done.