7 tips to save your "mouse hand", read quickly →

In the information age, whether it is entertainment or work, we cannot do without computers. Facing the screen, we can travel around the world, and holding the mouse in our hands to point out the world is even more convenient than holding a pen.

When you are having fun playing games or browsing Tik Tok, "mouse hand" may have quietly found you!

Image source: Internet

What is Mouse Hand?

"Mouse hand" is actually carpal tunnel syndrome.

Image source: Internet

It is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which causes numbness, pain and dysfunction in the fingers.

The reason is that the median nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel of the wrist, causing numbness and dysfunction of the fingers in the area innervated by the nerve. Common mouse hand is mainly related to long-term intensive, repeated and excessive activities of the wrist joint.

Symptoms include fatigue, stiffness, and soreness in the wrists and forearms. In severe cases, the pain will extend to the arms, back, and neck, seriously affecting work status and should not be underestimated!

Who is more likely to develop "mouse hand"?

"Mouse hand" is common in people aged 30 to 60, more common in women than in men. People who use computers and mobile phones for a long time, pregnant and postpartum mothers, people with rheumatism, rheumatoid disease, diabetes and wrist trauma, housewives or people who read books for a long time should be especially vigilant.

Image source: Internet

How to determine whether you have "mouse hand"?

Phalen test

Bend your elbows, raise your forearms, and flex both wrists 90 degrees at the same time. If you experience persistent pain, numbness, burning sensations, etc. on the outside of your thumb, index finger, middle finger, and ring finger, it may be carpal tunnel syndrome.

Image source: Shenzhen Third People's Hospital

Tinel's test

Use a percussion hammer or finger to tap the median nerve at the proximal edge of the wrist ligament. When there is radiating pain on the palm side of the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and radial half of the ring finger, it may be carpal tunnel syndrome.

Image source: Shenzhen Third People's Hospital

Save your "mouse hand" and remember these 7 points

01Wrist Exercise

Wrist flexion exercise - Extend your left hand with your palm facing inward and fingers pointing downward. Press your right hand on the back of your left palm and then apply force inward. Keep breathing and maintain the movement for 30 seconds. Switch to your right hand and repeat several times.

Image source: Dingxiang Doctor

02Hand grip exercise

Loosen and tighten - spread your fingers naturally, then slowly tighten them into a fist. Don't move too fast and repeat many times.

Image source: Dingxiang Doctor

03 Take a break every hour

It is recommended that you take a 10-minute break after using the keyboard for about an hour. During the break, you can move your wrists and do some exercises to relax your fingers, such as making a fist or pinching your fingers.

04 Choose a mouse with a large arc

It is best to choose one with a larger arc and a wider contact surface to help disperse the force on the mouse.

05 Raise your wrist

Keep your wrist straight when using the mouse, and do not let your arm hang in the air. When moving the mouse, try to use your arm strength instead of using your wrist strength.

06 Keyboard Founder

The keyboard should be placed in the center directly in front of the body. Avoid tilting the keyboard to one side. Approaching the keyboard or using the mouse at elbow height can prevent excessive stretching of the carpal tunnel.

07. Sit in the right posture

When using a computer, keep your forearms and elbows as close to your body as possible and as relaxed as possible to avoid leaning forward when using the mouse; and try not to let your arms hang in the air. When sitting on a computer chair, lean against the back cushion and keep your feet on the ground. Remember not to cross your legs.

Image source: Gaoding Design

3 common misunderstandings of "mouse hand"

01. Is mouse hand just a minor problem?

For patients with "mouse hand", if the condition is not treated properly or in time, the disease may evolve and worsen, and some may even develop into sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, so do not ignore mouse hand, so as to avoid big trouble.

02.Are only people who use computers frequently prone to “mouse hand”?

Office clerks use the mouse for a long time, which causes compression in the carpal tunnel and makes them prone to "mouse hand". In addition, teachers, reporters, cashiers, assemblers, etc. are also at a high risk of suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, people who need to use both hands frequently should pay attention to rest to prevent mouse hand.

03. Does hand pain and numbness mean “mouse hand”?

If you experience numbness, pain, and other discomfort in your hands, it does not necessarily mean you have "mouse hand"; it could also be a problem with your cervical spine or other nerves.

Want to get rid of "mouse hand"

The most important thing is to give your wrists enough rest

Avoid or reduce wrist flexion movements in daily life

In addition, appropriate heat can help relieve symptoms

I hope everyone will not be troubled by "mouse hand"