Millions of people whose jobs involve working at a computer may be putting themselves at risk of a painful injury. To find out if you've been affected, there is a simple test doctors recommend.
Dr Myro Figura, an anaesthesiologist from California, shared a quick 60-second test on TikTok that you can do at home to check for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. You don't need any special equipment and will know the results as soon as it's over.
He explained how this test - known as the - is done in to diagnose (or rule out) the problem, and he demonstrated the simple steps it takes. First, you gently place the back of his hands together and then wait one minute.
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You're looking for signs of numbness, tingling, and pain in the general area of three fingers [thumb, index and middle]. If you notice these sensations, you probably have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (also abbreviated as CTS).
The doctor said: "The reason why that works is because Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is impingement of median nerve at the wrist. This motion puts pressure on the nerve and that nerve innovates these three fingers."
Continuous repetitive movement often causes this in most patients. which explains the high number of office workers who suffer with the problem.
Other factors could explain why you have picked up the condition. You're more at risk of CTS if you:
- are overweight
- are pregnant
- do work or hobbies that mean you repeatedly bend your wrist or grip hard, such as using vibrating tools
- have certain other conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes
- have a parent, brother or sister with CTS
- have previously injured your wrist
CTS is a surprisingly common problem caused by pressure on a nerve in the wrist. .
In most cases, a doctor will recommend wearing a wrist splint to keep it straight. This should help relieve pressure on the nerve causing the pain.
While in recovery, it would also be a good idea to limit the action that caused the injury. Anything that causes you to bend your wrist or grip hard frequently should be limited if you want to improve.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has a set of hand exercises you can do as well to strengthen the area and prevent your symptoms from returning. .
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