Hand and arm pain, finger numbness, do you feel like a 'robot'? Don't worry, you may just have the 'standard disease' of modern urbanites - carpal tunnel syndrome. Although this disease sounds a bit 'high', it is actually not far from us, especially those friends who type on the keyboard and swipe their mobile phones all day long, so be careful!

Carpal tunnel syndrome, what exactly is it?

Carpal tunnel syndrome, in simple terms, is the "tunnel" in the wrist that is occupied. This "tunnel" is called the carpal tunnel, and it contains an important nerve – the median nerve. When the pressure in the carpal tunnel increases, the median nerve is compressed, causing a series of symptoms, such as pain in the hand and arm, numbness in the fingers, and even weakness in the fingers. Doesn't it sound a bit like a "traffic jam"? True, the nerves are blocked, the signal is not transmitted smoothly, and the body naturally makes a "protest".

Why are urbanites so easy to be tricked?

Modern life is inseparable from computers and mobile phones, especially those who need to use the keyboard or mouse for a long time or use the mobile phone frequently, the amount of activity of the wrist and fingers has greatly increased. If you maintain a position for a long time, the pressure in the carpal tunnel will gradually increase if the wrist is repeatedly stressed. Coupled with some bad habits, such as dangling wrists and excessive finger force, the median nerve is more likely to "hurt". Programmers, designers, writers, and even people who often play with mobile phones are at high risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

How can you tell if you've been tricked?

If you often experience wrist pain, especially when you wake up at night or early in the morning, your fingers are numb, and even sometimes your fingers "don't listen", such as when you suddenly drop something when you pick it up, then be wary. There is also a simple self-test method: put your hands back to back for 1 minutes, if you feel significant pain or numbness in your wrist or fingers, it is likely that carpal tunnel syndrome is at work.

Doctor's advice: prevention and treatment go hand in hand

1. Adjust your posture to reduce pressure

When using the computer, try to keep your wrist naturally flat and avoid hanging your wrist in the air. The height of the mouse and keyboard should be moderate, and it is best to use a mouse pad with a wrist rest. When playing with your phone, you should also pay attention to the posture of your wrist and don't keep it at an angle for a long time.

2. Rest properly and move your wrists

Every 1 hours, stop and move your wrists and fingers and do some simple stretches. For example, make a fist, spread your fingers, or gently turn your wrist to help relieve pressure on your carpal tunnel.

3. Warm compress and massage to relieve symptoms

If you already feel pain in your wrist or numbness in your fingers, you can try a warm compress to relieve your symptoms. Warm compresses can promote blood circulation and reduce the feeling of nerve compression. At the same time, gently massaging the wrists and palms can also help relax muscles and nerves.

4. Seek medical attention in time to avoid deterioration

If symptoms continue to worsen, such as finger weakness and muscle atrophy, it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend wearing wrist braces, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery to relieve nerve compression.

Small changes in your life can make a big difference

In addition to the above tips, there are small things in your life that can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, choose a lightweight mouse and keyboard to reduce the burden on your wrist; Use voice input instead of long typing; Even in between work, do some simple yoga movements to relax the muscles and nerves of the whole body. Remember, a healthy lifestyle is the key to staying away from urban diseases.

Wrist health starts with the details

Wrist pain and numbness in the fingers may seem like minor problems, but if you don't pay attention to it, it may affect your daily life and work. By adjusting posture, resting properly, and seeking medical attention in a timely manner, we can effectively prevent and treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Hopefully, this article will help you better understand this "urban disease" and take action to protect your wrist health. After all, life is easier when your wrists are flexible!

Tips: The medical science knowledge in the content is for reference only, does not constitute a medication guideline, does not serve as a basis for diagnosis, do not do it yourself without medical qualifications, if you feel unwell, please go to the hospital in time.