Our hands are invaluable tools facilitating our daily activities, from work to communication and sports. Therefore, caring for them and paying attention to any signals they may send is crucial.

Hand-Related Disorders

While hands are generally resilient, the strain they endure daily can lead to various conditions, especially when their natural ability to self-repair is surpassed by wear and tear. For instance, individuals who work extensively with computers or spend prolonged periods using smartphones and similar devices may be at risk of developing inflammatory conditions in their hand and wrist tendons.

Frequent tendon-related conditions include:

  • Trigger Finger: Characterized by a distinct clicking sensation during finger flexion-extension movements.
  • De Quervain’s Disease: An inflammation of the thumb tendons, causing discomfort during thumb movements.

Tingling in the Hand

Tingling in the fingers, particularly in the first three, may indicate carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that should not be underestimated. Contrary to popular belief, it can affect individuals of any age, although it’s more common after age 40.

Carpal tunnel syndrome results from the median nerve compression due to inflammation in the flexor tendons inside the carpal tunnel, a passageway from the wrist to the hand. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and pain, often worsening at night. Severe cases may lead to loss of sensation in the fingers and difficulty gripping objects. It’s essential to consult a hand specialist promptly. Electromyography, a reliable diagnostic test, is often recommended, and surgery is usually the treatment of choice if nerve damage is confirmed.

Not all cases of tingling can be attributed to carpal tunnel syndrome. If tingling primarily affects the ring and little finger area, it could be cubital canal syndrome, the second most common peripheral nerve compression neuropathy. In such instances, symptoms result from ulnar nerve compression at the elbow. Mild cases can often be resolved through conservative treatments, such as wearing a brace and undergoing physiotherapy. Advanced cases may require surgical nerve decompression.

Additionally, symptoms similar to those described may be linked to radicular issues in the cervical spine. In all cases, a specialist’s clinical evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Preventing These Disorders

Maintaining good posture is crucial, but also: ensuring the correct distance from the computer, using an appropriate chair, adjusting desk height, and working with supported elbows to reduce tendon inflammation and peripheral nerve compression. It is advisable to limit technological tools to essential tasks to reduce stress on the hands and wrists. Regular breaks during work are essential, and when necessary, anti-inflammatory medications and physiotherapy can be employed.

Above all, it’s important to remember that when such symptoms persist or worsen, seeking advice from a hand surgeon is crucial.