Prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome in office workers

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve is compressed when passing through the carpal tunnel, causing inflammation, pain, numbness, reduced or loss of feeling in part of the hand. Although not life-threatening, the disease causes pain and numbness in the hands and wrists, difficulty holding hands, and reduced hand dexterity, affecting daily activities.

MSc. Tran Ngoc Chon, Orthopedics Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who have to use their wrists a lot such as housewives, drivers, and tailors. … Among them, office workers are most likely to encounter it due to frequent use of computers. Repeated movements of the hand and wrist for long periods of time due to using a computer or typing on a keyboard can damage the wrist tendons, causing inflammation and increased pressure in the carpal tunnel, thereby compressing the tendons. nerve. Excessive bending or hyperextension of the hand and wrist can also increase pressure on the nerve, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Doctor Cho instructs people who work with computers a lot, such as office workers, to apply the following ways to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.

Take regular breaks: Gently stretch and massage your wrists periodically for about 10-30 seconds after every 15-30 minutes of work. This is important for people who have to use a lot of wrist force or do jobs that require manual dexterity. Not only wrists and hands, you should regularly exercise your arms, shoulder blades, neck, back… to reduce congestion and promote blood circulation.

Correct hand position when working: The forearm and arm form a 90-degree angle, helping to limit pressure on the shoulders and wrists. At the same time, the wrist needs to be straightened and higher than the table surface, without bending the wrist. Make sure your hands are comfortable and the computer mouse is in a position that is easy to reach and use.

Reduce wrist and finger strength when typing on a computer: This activity helps avoid excessive stress on the wrist and relieves pain. Avoid sudden bending or bending of the wrist.

Use a computer mouse that fits your hand: Creates a comfortable feeling, without wrist pain during long working hours. If working in a cold environment, office workers should use gloves to keep their wrists warm.

Nutrition: Supplement vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B6. Foods rich in vitamin B are good for the nervous system.

Doctor Choose recommends that people with warning signs of carpal tunnel syndrome should see a doctor for timely treatment. Depending on the condition, doctors have different treatment methods such as using pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs orally or by injection. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe the patient to use a wrist brace. This method helps improve symptoms after 4 weeks of treatment.

In severe cases, with signs of sensory disorders, muscle atrophy, or after many months of medical treatment without improvement, the doctor will prescribe surgery. Currently, carpal tunnel surgery to decompress the median nerve is a widely used method. Patients have less pain, less blood loss, and can be discharged from the hospital the same day.