Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: How to Speed ​​Up Recovery Through Care?

Modern people's lives are increasingly inseparable from electronic products such as mobile phones and computers. After using computers for a long time, some people will experience numbness in their fingers and increased wrist pain, which affects their daily lives. Why do these symptoms occur? Is finger numbness a problem induced by the spine? In fact, this is a disease called carpal tunnel syndrome, which is often called "mouse hand" by doctors. Due to long-term repetitive hand movements, such as keyboard input, using a mouse, assembly work, etc., the pressure on the muscles and tissues in the wrist increases, and carpal tunnel syndrome may occur.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome ?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a neurological disease caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which leads to pain in the palm and arm, numbness of the 3rd or 4th fingers on the radial side, and progressive loss of strength. Our carpal tunnel is a narrow passage surrounded by ligaments and soft tissues between the wrist bone and the radius. Nerves and blood vessels such as the median nerve, radial palm nerve, and ulnar palm nerve pass through it. When the carpal tunnel is narrow or the tissue is swollen, it will compress the median nerve inside, affecting the nerve function and forming carpal tunnel syndrome.

What are the typical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Pain in the arms and hands; numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers; progressive loss of strength; decreased sensation and sensitivity in the fingers and hands; pain and numbness at night.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include both non-surgical and surgical treatments. Non-surgical treatments include changing your activity or work posture, hand physiotherapy, and medication. For severe cases, if other treatments are ineffective, your doctor may recommend surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve.

How to accelerate the recovery process of carpal tunnel syndrome through nursing?

1. Change work and life habits

One of the main causes of CTS is long-term use of keyboard, mouse and other repetitive work with wrist movements. To speed up recovery, you can adjust the height of the chair and table so that the keyboard and mouse are in the proper position, avoid excessive flexion or extension of the wrist, and give your hands and eyes a rest every once in a while, such as every 60 minutes. You can do simple finger and wrist stretching exercises and avoid long-term continuous use of the keyboard and mouse.

2. Wrist support

A wrist support is a common nursing device that can help speed up the recovery of carpal tunnel syndrome and relieve pain and inflammation. For people who use keyboards, mice, typing and other hand work for a long time, wearing a wrist support can protect the wrist and reduce the risk of further injury.

3. Hand and wrist exercises

Moderate hand and wrist exercises can promote blood circulation and relieve pain and numbness. Common exercises include stretching, clenching fists, extending fingers, and rotating wrists. It should be noted that hand and wrist exercises should be moderate to avoid excessive force that increases pain. The specific movements can be referred to as follows:

Stretching exercise: Lay your palm flat, then use your other hand to slowly stretch the back of your hand toward your palm, hold for a few seconds, then relax. Conversely, stretch your wrist toward your palm, hold for a few seconds, then relax.

Fist exercise: Clench your fist for a few seconds, then slowly release your fingers, and repeat several times.

Finger exercise: Extend each finger in turn and hold for a few seconds, then slowly bring them back to their original position, repeat several times.

Wrist rotation: Place your palm on the table, with your arm perpendicular to the table, rotate your wrist so that your palm lightly touches the table, then rotate it back, and repeat several times.

4. Cold and hot compress treatment

Alternating between hot and cold compresses can help reduce inflammation and pain. When inflammation is severe, using cold compresses (such as ice packs) can relieve pain. After the pain is relieved, hot compresses (such as hot towels) can be used to promote blood circulation and muscle relaxation.

5. Gentle Massage

A gentle hand and wrist massage can improve circulation, relieve pain, and relax tense muscles. You can use a mild massage oil to increase comfort.

6. Medication management

Under the guidance of a doctor, some patients may need medication management to relieve pain and inflammation. Common medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and local anesthetics. Follow the doctor's advice and use the medication as directed.

In addition, it should be noted that if the symptoms are severe or last for a long time, it is recommended to seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment in time to avoid complications.

Finally, here are some things you can do to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome:

Use proper posture and movement techniques, and avoid overexertion, hyperextension, and activities that place excessive stress on the wrists;

Reduce activities that overuse your hands and wrists, avoid holding heavy objects for long periods of time, exerting force for long periods of time, etc.;

Keep your hands and wrists warm in cold weather, especially when you are outdoors. Wearing gloves can keep you warm and avoid excessive pressure on your hands.

Stay healthy by exercising regularly and adopting healthy eating habits.

In general, taking the right rehabilitation care measures can help patients with carpal tunnel syndrome accelerate their recovery. This article proposes several care measures and prevention methods, which only represent personal opinions and are for reference. Everyone's recovery process may be different, so you should consult a professional doctor for personalized advice and treatment guidance. (Zhang Hongjuan, Department of Hand Surgery, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University)