The invisible "killer" of computer users - carpal tunnel syndrome

Author: Wang Guangyi Shenzhen Second People's Hospital

Li Lei Shenzhen Second People's Hospital

Reviewer: Long Jianjun, Deputy Chief Technician, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), also known as "mouse hand," is usually caused by increased pressure in the carpal tunnel that compresses the median nerve. It may be related to a variety of factors, such as prolonged overuse of the wrist, certain diseases (such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis), wrist injuries, etc. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who use computers for a long time, especially in professions such as teachers, editors, and reporters. Sometimes the pain may radiate to the forearm or even the shoulder. Especially at night, the discomfort may intensify, causing the patient to wake up. As the disease progresses, weakness and atrophy of the hand muscles may occur.

1. How to determine whether you may suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome?

You can determine whether you have carpal tunnel syndrome by doing the following two actions (you must use the hand you usually use):

The first action: bend the thumb, press the thumb with four fingers, and then turn the whole hand toward the little finger. If pain occurs, it may be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Figure 1 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

The second action: Use your fingers to tap the circled area in the picture below. If pain occurs, it may be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Figure 2 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

How can I relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Here are five actions to teach you:

Action 1: Make fists with both hands, then stretch out your fingers one by one (stretch them back as far as possible) to make them fan-shaped. Do 10 times per set, and repeat 3 to 6 sets.

Figure 3 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

Action 2: Open your hands, put the thumb tip and index finger tip together; release the index finger, put the thumb tip and middle finger tip together; release the middle finger, put the thumb tip and ring finger tip together; release the ring finger, put the thumb tip and little finger tip together. The above is 1 time, 10 times per set, repeat 3 to 6 sets.

Figure 4 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

Action 3: Use one hand to pull each finger of the other hand, alternating hands, repeat, 10 times per set, 3 to 6 sets each time.

Figure 5 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

Action 4: Stretch your arms straight up and raise them, make fists with your hands, and do a circular motion with your wrist joints as the axis. After 3 to 5 circles, turn in the opposite direction. Continue to practice for 30 seconds per time. Do 10 times per set, 3 to 6 sets per day.

Figure 6 Copyrighted images are not authorized for reproduction

Action 5: Stretching of wrist joints, metacarpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints. Raise your arm (flex forward) 90 degrees, straighten the elbow on the affected side, place your palm in a neutral position, palm down, four fingers together, do upward wrist dorsiflexion, and at the same time stretch the fingers on the affected side with the other hand, so that the wrist joint on the affected side is fully dorsiflexed, and the metacarpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints are fully stretched to the end, hold for 5 seconds and relax; then do downward wrist dorsiflexion, and at the same time stretch the back of the affected hand with the other hand, so that the wrist joint on the affected side is fully dorsiflexed, and the metacarpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints are fully stretched to the end, hold for 5 seconds and relax; 10 times in one set, 3 to 6 sets per day.

Figure 7 Copyright image is not authorized for reproduction

3. How to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?

1. Pay attention to relaxation and rest. It is recommended not to operate instruments, type, or play with mobile phones for a long time. It is best to take a break for about 10 minutes after using the mouse for about an hour.

2. Wrist exercise: You can move your wrists during the break, and do some exercises to relax your fingers, such as making a fist or pinching your fingers.

3. Avoid long-term excessive wrist flexion and extension. If necessary for work, consider wearing appropriate protective gear for protection.

4. Keep your hands warm. If you work in a cold environment, you are more likely to experience hand pain and stiffness; wear gloves in cold environments to keep your hands and wrists warm.

5. Choose a mouse with a large curvature. It is best to choose a mouse with a large curvature and a wide contact surface to help disperse the force of your fingers. Do not let your arm hang in the air when using the mouse to reduce the pressure on your wrist.

If the above measures fail to relieve the pain or the symptoms worsen, please seek medical treatment promptly and follow the doctor's advice.

Overall, carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can be managed with proper preventive and treatment measures. If you use a computer regularly and experience hand discomfort, you should consider taking the above measures to reduce your symptoms and prevent further progression of the condition.