All this talk is making my forearms ache. I've had bad tendonitis in both for four years. Most of it came from improper keyboard height, carrying too many textbooks and years of working labour. It's not carpal tunnel yet, but it will get there. Did I mention I'm only 20? You're never too young to do permanent damage.

Straight handlebars are now out of the question in my case. Don't let it get that far. Don't suck it up like I did--it may not be reversible.

In addition to core strength (upper, lower, obliques, back, everything!), make sure your wrists are indeed strong enough to support the tendons without extreme stress or (lord forbid) excessive and prolonged bending.

Whenever you put prolonged stress on your wrists (biking, typing, etc) shake out your wrists, stretch them up and down, wiggle your fingers. Stress balls may either help or hinder depending on the tendons and inflamation involved--if it hurts, don't do it. If it helps, do.

Wrist curls won't heal damage already done, but it can preserve what you have left. At worst I had no mobility in either wrist and wore braces all day. I worked up to a gentle stretch, partial mobility, full stretch and mobility, then a full wrist curl. Now I can do 12 lbs (CAREFULLY). But if I palm open a door the wrong way I'm doubled over in pain. It's knuckle-pushups only and I need to be very, very careful on all equimpent at the gym.

Make sure EVERYTHING you do is friendly to your wrists. Elbows bent 90 degrees for mouse and keyboard, and gel pads. I don't care if you feel silly. Do not break severely at the wrist when you hold a pen or frying pan, carry a box, squeeze the gas pump, drive a car...

I know I sound like an old biddy about this, but some injuries you just can't ignore!