Popular Science Article | "Hands" protect your health and bring you more joy - Get rid of mouse hand

What is a mouse hand?

Mouse hand, also known as carpal tunnel syndrome, refers to a syndrome in which the median nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel, causing discomfort in the corresponding area it controls.

Symptoms of Mouse Hand

Tingling, numbness: pain or numbness in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. Symptoms usually worsen at night and can be relieved by shaking the hand or rotating the wrist.

Weakness: The hands are unable to grasp objects, movements are not flexible, fine motor skills are affected, and in severe cases, thenar atrophy may occur.

People who are prone to mouse hand

Smoking

Hypothyroidism

Pregnant

diabetes

Rheumatoid arthritis

Wrist Trauma

Diagnosis of Mouse Hand

Phalen test: Hang your wrists with both hands and press the backs of your hands against each other. If numbness in your fingers occurs within 1 minute, it is positive.

Tinel test: tap the middle of the palm side of the wrist. If there is radiating pain or paresthesia in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger, it is positive.

Tips: If you cannot complete the test independently or your condition worsens, please seek medical attention and receive auxiliary examinations in time.

Ultrasound examination: It can indicate the cause and degree of median nerve compression by showing changes in nerve morphology and echo structure.

Electrophysiological examination: including nerve conduction tests and electromyography. It can determine the degree of nerve demyelination and axonal damage and quantify the severity of the disease.

Mouse hand rehabilitation

Tendon gliding: Reduces pressure in the carpal tunnel. Repeat the entire process slowly 5-10 times

Step 1: Straighten your palm and fingers completely

Step 2: Bend your fingers until they are hooked

Step 3: Make your hands into a fist

Step 4: Straighten your fingers so that they form a 90-degree angle with your palm.

Step 5: Bend the second knuckle and straighten the first knuckle

Carpal tunnel nerve block: Early treatment of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome aims to eliminate congestion and edema of the median nerve. Injection of different drugs can relieve pain, fight inflammation, fight allergies, and inhibit inflammatory exudation.

Median nerve mobilization:

Step 1: Make a fist with your wrist in a neutral position and all fingers bent

Step 2: Straighten your fingers and keep your thumb close to your palm

Step 3: Keep your palm still and stretch your wrist

Step 4: Abduct the thumb away from the palm

Step 5: Rotate your forearm internally so that your palm is facing you.

Step 6: Use your other hand to gently press down on your thumb

Kinesiology tape: Proper use can relieve pain; improve circulation and reduce edema; support and relax soft tissues, improve incorrect movement patterns and enhance joint stability.

Tips:

① If the disease can be diagnosed and treated in time at the early stage of symptoms, symptoms such as numbness and weakness in the hands can be effectively improved.

② If persistent numbness in the hands and atrophy of thenar eminence occur, surgical treatment is required.

Prevention of Mouse Hand

Regular rest and activity

Keep your wrist in a neutral position

Keep your wrist horizontal

Author: Pan Zhipeng, Song Lianxin, Su Bin, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Reviewer: Zhu Yi, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Vice Chairman of the Rehabilitation Therapy Committee of the Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine Association, and Leader of the Science Popularization Working Group