Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an increasingly common ailment among computer users. It can be debilitating, limiting the range of motion and causing painful symptoms. CTS is caused by continuous use of the mouse, often for long periods of time without breaks. Although there’s no surefire way to prevent CTS from using a computer mouse, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk. In this blog post, we will look at those steps and discuss how you can help keep yourself healthy while spending time in front of a screen.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A variety of factors matter when it comes to developing one, including overuse of the hands and wrists, repetitive motion, and poor ergonomics. It can also be caused by underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid problems.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Numbness or tingling in your wrist is the most common symptom. This may be worse at night. You may also have:
* Pain in the wrist, forearm, or elbow
* Difficulty gripping or holding objects
* Clumsiness in the hand
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be diagnosed with a physical exam and nerve tests. Treatment depends on how severe the condition is but may include splints, steroid injections, or surgery.
How to find out if you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Based on the symptoms and physical examination findings, you will be able to figure out whether you have one. Nerve conduction studies may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. You can relieve the symptoms by splinting, rest, physical therapy, and injections. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can be caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and hand. Many people who suffer from this problem use a computer mouse on a regular basis. There are several things you can do to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from developing or to relieve the symptoms if you already have the condition.
One way to prevent this is to use an ergonomic mouse. Ergonomic mice are designed to fit your hand in a more natural position and reduce the amount of stress on your wrist and hand. You may also want to try using a different type of pointing device, such as a trackball or touchpad.
If you already have this illness, there are several things you can do to relieve the symptoms. One is to wear a splint at night to keep your wrist in a neutral position. You may also need to take breaks during extended periods of computer use, and perform stretching exercises for your wrists and hands. If conservative measures don’t help, you may need surgical intervention to release the pressure.