The modern world would be unthinkable without the use of computer technology. But prolonged sitting in front of a screen and working with computer configurations and peripherals can be a prerequisite for carpal tunnel syndrome.
If you experience pain in the wrist and tingling in the area of the thumb, forefinger and middle finger, then you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. The main risk factor for its development is prolonged monotonous work, requiring more precise finger movements when the wrist is folded. Usually people with professions such as violinist, pianist, tailor fall into risk groups, but I kept the variability of finger movements and the wrist is still greater than in people working all day in front of a screen. The use of a mouse creates a precondition for the hand to stand in an unnatural position, slightly twisted along the axis.
Syndrome
The syndrome occurs due to compression of the median nerve, which passes through a narrow canal of the wrist. This carpal tunnel is a tunnel made up of the wrist bones and ligaments through which the nerve and tendons pass. Numerous repetitive movements can cause inflammation of the tendons and their sheaths. This increases the compression of the nerve and its function is impaired.
Symptoms
- Pain
- Numbness
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Burning
- Swelling and redness at the base of the wrist
- Affecting fine motor skills
- Loss of sensitivity and coordination
Prevention tips:
- Use an ergonomic mouse and keyboard
- If necessary, choose a mouse pad with a pad for the wrist joint
- Choose the size of the mouse according to the size of your palm. The hand should rest on the mouse. If it is smaller there will be tension on the flexor muscles.
- Adjust the mouse at a higher speed to prevent unnecessary movements
- The armrest of the chair where the forearm is should be equal in height to the level of the wrist so that there is no unnecessary inclination
- Use the breaks to get moving! It would be appropriate in this case to include a slight stretching for the muscles of the forearm. A one-minute workout for hand grips would also have a positive effect. Alternate: fist, cat paw, hippo sign and letter “G”. In case you have an anti-stress ball you can use it.
- Eat foods rich in B vitamins.
Diagnosis and treatment
Depending on the condition and the system, and the severity of the symptoms are approached differently. Examination and consultation is performed by a neurologist, who will assess the neurological status. You may have an electromyographic examination during the examination. It will show the electrical conductivity of the electrical impulse along the peripheral nerves and the degree of involvement of the nerve structure.
Among the methods of treatment are the prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and intake of B vitamins. In parallel with this treatment, physiotherapy is recommended, which successfully treats the symptoms. It is often the case in practice to work for better alignment of the patient’s body due to poor postural control and compromise of nerve structures at the plexus level.
For more severe cases associated with loss of muscle volume of the own muscles of the thumb is approached surgically. By its nature, surgery involves cutting the connective tissue band that closes the canal at the base of the palm. In this way the nerve is decompressed and the function and sensibility of the hand is restored. Of course, such an intervention takes longer to recover, where physiotherapy is central.
We hope we have been helpful with this article. If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome and need advice and physical treatment, you can count on our competence. Good luck!
