"Tingling Wrist While Working Part-Time... Beware of Tenosynovitis [MZ Generation Health Care]"

Incidence Rate Increasing Annually Among People in Their 20s... Mainly Occurs in Hand and Wrist Areas
"Reduce Use of Affected Area and Rest as Much as Possible When Pain Appears"

[Image source=Pixabay]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Many people may have experienced a sharp pain in their wrist and hand while unconsciously moving a computer mouse with a smartphone in hand. Prolonged use of tendons can cause inflammation in the sheath surrounding the tendons, known as 'tenosynovitis.' It most commonly occurs in people in their 50s who have used their tendon sheaths for a long time, compared to younger generations.

Recently, the number of tenosynovitis patients in their 20s has also increased sharply due to the rapid rise in smartphone and computer usage. According to the National Health Insurance Service, the number of people in their 20s treated for tenosynovitis increased annually: 149,934 in 2016, 155,830 in 2017, 161,537 in 2018, 165,342 in 2019, and 167,999 in 2020.

Tenosynovitis can occur in various parts of the body but mainly affects the hands and wrists, which have the most movement. In particular, 'De Quervain's disease,' which occurs at the base of the thumb, is commonly seen. Experts report that people in professions that use their hands or fingers extensively?such as carpenters, dentists, musicians, office workers, and those with high-intensity housework or childcare?are more likely to develop tenosynovitis.

The most common symptoms are inflammation and swelling. The skin over the painful area may become red and swollen, sometimes accompanied by heat. If these symptoms appear after using the affected area during exercise or work, tenosynovitis should be suspected. A third-year university student, Mr. A, repeatedly used his wrist while working part-time at a cafe to extract coffee concentrate. Later, he felt a sharp pain near his thumb even when performing small actions like tying his hair and was diagnosed with tenosynovitis.

Diagnosis of tenosynovitis is mainly done through ultrasound. Tendons are not visible on X-rays. Ultrasound allows clear observation of the tendons and their surrounding sheaths. Additionally, chronic tenosynovitis may occur due to underlying conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis, so medical history is also reviewed.

Most cases of tenosynovitis can be treated with sufficient rest and lifestyle improvements. The painful area should be rested as much as possible for 1 to 2 days. If there is heat in the swollen area, cold compresses are recommended; if there is only pain, warm compresses are beneficial. The most important thing is to reduce the use of the tendon sheath. Even if treatment relieves pain, continuous use of the affected area can cause permanent tendon damage. When it is difficult to avoid work, improving the environment with wrist braces or mouse pads can help. Also, prolonged pain can lead to psychological symptoms such as stress and depression, so caution is necessary.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.