What is "Mouse Hand"?
So-called "mouse hand" is a colloquial term, named because many mouse users suffer from this condition. In medical terms, it is called "repetitive strain injury." Normally, wrist movement does not hinder the median nerve. However, when operating a computer, due to the height of the keyboard and mouse, the wrist must be bent back at a certain angle. At this point, the wrist is in a forced position, unable to naturally extend.
When the wrist joint remains under tension for a long period, it compresses the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, interrupting nerve conduction. This results in symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and weakness in both hands. Some may even hear a slight clicking sound when moving their joints, which are all early signs of "mouse hand." Subsequently, pain may gradually spread towards the shoulder, significantly impacting quality of life. Simple hand movements like opening a can, dialing a phone number, or threading a needle will become extremely difficult.
In fact, the cost of minor injuries to our finger joints and nerve fibers is comparable to the pain felt in leg muscles after a day's travel. Moreover, as the condition worsens, "mouse hand" can gradually evolve into localized symptoms. A mouse positioned too high, too low, or too far away may lead to a series of neck, shoulder, and wrist syndromes.
How to Treat "Mouse Hand"
According to medical experts' research, "mouse hand" is often caused by incorrect and frequent use of the mouse during work. So, what measures can we take for "mouse hand"? The first step is to consult with a plastic surgeon or neurologist for diagnosis. They can determine your nerve conduction speed with the help of electronic stimulation. This value can inform the doctor about the extent of nerve damage and assist in diagnosing the type of disease. Depending on the condition, doctors often recommend using anti-inflammatory ointments or wrist braces that restrict hand movement.
The Secret Code for Wrist Health
Severe "mouse hand" patients must undergo surgical rehabilitation treatment at the hospital. For general initial patients or those who want to prevent it, the best method is to prescribe a healthy wrist regimen. Remember the following sets of numbers; they are the secret codes for wrist health.
55-72 cm: The height of the office desk should ideally be adjustable between 55-72 cm. Additionally, to make typing easier, the keyboard should be slightly lower than the elbow level when sitting, and directly in front of the body, allowing the elbows to bend at 90 degrees.
5-10 cm: To comfortably use a mouse, the desktop area supporting the forearm should ideally be 5-10 cm.
5-10 cm: Another set of 5-10 cm refers to the chair. The ideal distance between the chair and the edge of the table should be controlled at 5-10 cm, and the chair height should be adjustable. A seat and backrest that conform to anatomical principles allow the body to move freely forward and sideways.
2 hours: For healthy wrists, it is essential to take a break and move the joints every 2 hours of continuous work.
Article source: Seven-Colored Flower Fashion Forum (http://www.qsehua.com). Detailed reference: http://www.qsehua.com/viewthread.php?tid=23012&extra=