2024-03-13 06:23:00
Lee Gwang-nam, director of joint surgery at Guro Chamtonton Hospital
The human hand is one of the most important parts used in daily life. It is also an area where a lot of fatigue accumulates. Therefore, the number of people visiting hospitals with wrist diseases is increasing across all age groups. Typical examples include office workers who frequently use computers, students who frequently use smartphones and handwriting, and housewives who do a lot of housework.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disease in which the carpal tunnel narrows or pressure increases, putting pressure on the median nerve, which runs from the wrist to the fingers and is responsible for sensation. The pain is mainly severe in the wrist area, and the pain may extend to the palm and fingers, and symptoms of numbness and paresthesia in the hand may also appear. The most common cause is excessive use of the wrist. The main cause is recent frequent use of computers and smartphones. In addition, carpal tunnel syndrome may occur as a result of trauma such as rheumatoid arthritis or wrist fracture.
In the early stages, carpal tunnel syndrome only complains of numbness in the wrist and numbness in the fingers. As the condition worsens and muscles are affected, fine movements such as using chopsticks or fastening buttons become difficult. If symptoms become severe, you may feel great discomfort in your daily life, such as having trouble sleeping due to a burning sensation in your hands. Therefore, if you suspect symptoms, it is advisable to visit a hospital early and receive treatment.
In the early stages of pain, non-surgical treatment such as drug treatment, immobilization treatment using braces, injection treatment, or extracorporeal shock wave treatment is possible. Among them, extracorporeal shock wave therapy is a treatment that stimulates tissues by continuously applying shock waves 1,500 to 2,000 times to areas of inflammation and pain. It helps to remodel blood vessels in the painful area and promote cell regeneration by activating tissue growth factors. In particular, it is characterized by a quick recovery period as it does not require any incisions, and a low risk of radiation exposure due to the use of magnetic field ultrasonic waves.
To prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, it is best to stretch your wrists from time to time to prevent your muscles and ligaments from becoming stiff, and take a break every 30 minutes. If you have wrist pain, you can expect pain relief by massaging with a warm towel or soaking your hand in warm water and clenching and unclenching your fist for 5 to 10 minutes.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disease that can be completely cured if diagnosed and treated early, but if left untreated, the pain can worsen. If you feel symptoms, it is advisable to start treatment as soon as possible rather than expecting natural healing.
(Written by: Director Lee Gwang-nam of Joint Surgery, Guro Chamtonton Hospital)
1710314358
#Office #worker.. #Experience #wrist #pain #carpal #tunnel #syndrome #이광남 #원장 #칼럼 #전문가칼럼 #칼럼인터뷰 #기사본문
