Are there "traps" on your computer desk? Beware of "mouse hand"!

1. What is “mouse hand”?

"Mouse hand", clinically known as "carpal tunnel syndrome", refers to a group of clinical symptoms caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. In the early stage, it manifests as pain, numbness and weakness in the thumb, index finger and middle finger, especially in the middle finger. The symptoms are obvious at night or when getting up early, and are relieved by shaking the hand. Then there will be persistent finger pain and numbness, decreased sensation, and inability to complete fine movements such as buttoning. In the late stage, hand muscle atrophy and decreased hand muscle strength will occur, and even loss of sensation in the median nerve innervation area will occur, seriously affecting the function of the hand.

2. How does “mouse hand” occur?

There is a structure called the carpal tunnel on the palm side of the wrist, through which many tendons and the median nerve pass. When the median nerve is compressed for various reasons, the fingers and palm areas innervated by the nerve will feel numbness, tingling and other discomforts. In severe cases, the finger movement ability will also be weakened or even lost.

The main causes of median nerve compression are:

1. The capacity of the carpal tunnel decreases. The most common cause is hyperplasia and thickening of the transverse carpal ligament, which is common in people who repeatedly exert force on their wrists, such as people who use a mouse for a long time, workers who use air drills, and manual operators such as packers, knitters, and sewers. In addition, wrist fractures (distal radius or carpal bones) can also indirectly lead to a decrease in the capacity of the carpal tunnel.

2. The volume of the contents of the carpal tunnel increases. The most common reason is the thickening of the synovial membrane in the carpal tunnel. In addition, tumors, ganglion cysts, hemangiomas, etc. in the carpal tunnel can also occupy the space in the carpal tunnel, causing nerve compression and symptoms.

3. Other factors, such as hypothyroidism, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, acromegaly and other diseases may also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

3. How to treat “mouse hand”?

1. Oral medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as celecoxib) and neurotrophic drugs (such as methylcobalamin), can reduce edema, relieve inflammation and pain, and nourish nerves.

2. Local blockade treatment, which can use steroid hormones, procaine, etc., can reduce the edema of the tissues in the carpal tunnel and the median nerve, thereby alleviating symptoms.

3. Surgical treatment: When conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment is considered to relieve the compression of the median nerve and create space for nerve function recovery. It includes traditional open carpal tunnel decompression and endoscopic carpal tunnel release and decompression.

4. How to prevent “mouse hand”?

1. Do not perform manual operations for a long time, such as operating instruments, typing, playing with mobile phones, etc. After continuous hand activities for 1 hour, rest for 10 minutes.

2. Move your wrists during the rest period, and do some movements to relax your fingers, such as flexing and extending the wrist joints, clenching fists, pinching fingers, etc.

3. Keep your hands and wrists warm and avoid washing your hands with cold water.

4. Avoid long-term excessive flexion and extension of the wrist joint. If necessary for work, you can consider wearing appropriate protective gear for protection.

People at high risk of "mouse hand" should raise their health awareness. Once symptoms such as finger numbness, stiffness, discomfort, and wrist pain occur, they should seek medical treatment in time. If not handled properly or in time, the condition will worsen further, causing nerve damage and, in severe cases, muscle atrophy, affecting hand function.