In modern life, laptops, desktop computers and smartphones have become inseparable objects for many people.
Working, studying, and entertainment are all associated with the screen, which means that wrists must maintain repetitive positions for a long time.
This increases the risk of mechanical stress and nerve compression, leading to wrist tube syndrome, which is an increasingly common health problem.
Many people often think that feelings of hand fatigue, mild numbness or wrist pain are just fleeting manifestations due to overwork and will disappear on their own when resting.
However, according to experts, if these symptoms persist or appear repeatedly, it may be an early sign of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
Dr. Rajeev Verma, President of the Manipal Institute of Orthopedics, Manipal Hospital (Dwarka, New Delhi, India), said that wrist tube syndrome occurs when the middle nerve is compressed at the wrist.
This is the nerve that runs through a narrow cavity called the wrist tube, responsible for feeling the thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of the annula, and also participates in controlling the movement of the base of the thumb.
According to Dr. Verma, prolonged pressure on the middle nerve often originates from typing on the computer for a long time, repetitive wrist movements, and incorrect working posture.
Worryingly, pain and numbness do not disappear completely even when resting, but tend to increase over time if not intervened.
Early signs of wrist canal syndrome that digital device users should not ignore:
The first is the sensation of numbness or tingling on the hands, especially at night, even causing the patient to wake up and only decrease when shaking hands.
Second is stiff joints in the morning, making it difficult to hold hands or hold objects.
Third, the feeling of numbness or prolonged stinging is often concentrated in the thumb, index finger and middle finger. Fourth is the feeling of weakness in the hand, easily causing objects to fall or difficulty holding small objects such as pens.
Finally, the pain can spread from the wrist to the forearm, arm and even the shoulder area.
Dr. Rajeev Verma emphasized that early detection of wrist canal syndrome is very important.
If diagnosed and treated promptly, patients can prevent irreversible nerve damage.
To prevent it, users need to re-examine daily living and working habits, especially activities that require repetitive wrist movements.
A specialist examination will help accurately determine the condition through clinical examination and neurotransmitter tests.
In addition, improving working posture, placing the keyboard in a suitable position to keep the wrist neutral when typing also contributes to reducing pressure on the middle nerve.
In severe cases, when conservation treatment is no longer effective, hand canal release surgery may be considered. This method helps create more space for the medial nerve, thereby reducing compression and improving symptoms.
(The article is for reference only, not for professional advice. Always consult a doctor or medical expert if you have questions).
