In my career as a doctor, I have encountered a wide variety of cases, but one that stands out in particular is the problems caused by the overuse of the hands by girls. I remember one time a young female patient came to my clinic with anxiety and confusion. Her hands are dry, her skin is slightly cracked, and she even feels pain and numbness when writing or using her phone. At first glance, these symptoms may seem insignificant, but the hidden problems behind them cannot be ignored. The patient is a designer with a passion for crafts and uses his hands frequently for delicate work in his daily life. Little did she realize that this habit of overusing her hands was quietly taking a toll on her health. Through a detailed diagnosis, we found that she was at risk of long-term damage to the muscles and bones of her hands, and even the possibility of developing tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. This case made me realize that the dangers of overuse of hands are far beyond people's imagination. Here, I would like to share some thoughts about the possible health consequences of excessive "hands" in girls. This is not only a reminder from doctors, but also a warning to those who neglect hand health in their daily lives
Skin problems: early aging and damage
In my daily medical practice, I have encountered many women with skin problems caused by excessive use of their hands. It's not just about appearance, it's a health warning. The skin of the hands, especially in modern life, is subjected to tremendous stress: prolonged use of electronics, frequent cleaning work, and exposure to chemicals. The combination of these factors can lead to dry, chapped skin and even accelerated aging. Dry & Chapped SkinFrequent hand washing or using alcohol-based sanitizers, especially in winter, can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and chapping. Not only does this cause discomfort, but it also increases the risk of bacterial invasion as the skin's protective barrier is disrupted.
Accelerated aging of the hands is one of the first signs of age exposure. UV exposure, repetitive mechanical activity, and environmental pollution can all accelerate the aging of hand skin, manifesting as fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation. Unfortunately, many people neglect to take care of their hands in their sun protection and skincare routines. Care Recommendations: Choose a hand cream that contains natural moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, squalane or hyaluronic acid and use it daily, especially immediately after washing your hands, to lock in moisture. Regular care: Deeply nourish at least once a week, such as using a hand mask rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, to help repair and protect the skin. Daily sun protection: Don't neglect sun protection for your hands and use a sunscreen with SPF 30 and above to prevent UV-induced aging.
Hand musculoskeletal problems: long-term risk of injury
In our daily lives, the hands are one of the parts we use most frequently. Whether it's typing, drawing, or performing other repetitive hand activities for long periods of time, these seemingly ordinary movements, if done excessively, can cause a lot of stress and damage to our hand muscles and bones. Today, we're going to talk about the musculoskeletal problems that can result from overusing your hands, and how we can prevent and mitigate them.
Risk of long-term damage
Excessive use of the hands, especially repetitive activities, can easily lead to hand musculoskeletal problems such as tenosynovitis and arthritis. This is because repetitive movements put too much pressure on the muscles and joints of the hand, which can lead to inflammation and pain. TenosynovitisTenosynovitis is a common inflammatory disease caused by repetitive activity that presents with pain, swelling of the tendon sheaths of the wrists and fingers. Actions such as typing for long periods of time and holding a pen can be triggers. ArthritisArthritis refers to the inflammation of the joints, and long-term overuse of the hand, especially in incorrect posture, can accelerate the wear and tear of the hand joints, causing arthritis. This is more common among middle-aged and older women, but it does not mean that younger people are completely immune to its threats.
Prevention and treatment
1. Moderate restAfter a long period of hand activity, it is very necessary to give your hands proper rest. You can set a timer reminder to give your hands a break every time you work for a simple stretch. 2. Correct postureIt is also very important to maintain proper hand posture. For example, the wrist should be kept in a neutral position while typing, avoiding bending or straightening for long periods of time. 3. Hand Stretching ExercisesRegular hand stretching exercises can help reduce muscle tension and prevent the occurrence of tenosynovitis and arthritis. Simple wrist rotation and finger stretching are all good options. 4. Seek professional helpIf you already experience persistent discomfort or pain in your hands, it is essential to seek professional medical help. Physical therapy, medication or, in severe cases, surgery may be an option.
Nerve compression problems: numbness and pain in the hand
Excessive use of the hand, especially when performing repetitive tasks (imagine typing or swiping through your phone's screen for hours on end), can put pressure on the nerves in your hands. One of the most common conditions is carpal tunnel syndrome, in which the middle nerve in the wrist is compressed, causing numbness, tingling, or pain in the palms and fingers, especially the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. How to recognize the signs of nerve compression at an early stage is critical. Once you feel a persistent numbness or tingling sensation in your hand, especially at night, it can be an early sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. Sometimes, the symptom may extend to the upper arm or shoulder.
Coping strategies
Adjust your daily routine: Reduce repetitive hand movements, take regular breaks, and adjust workstation layouts to reduce wrist flexion. Hand Stretches: Perform simple hand and wrist stretches to increase flexibility and reduce compression. Use assistive tools: Consider using a wrist rest or other assistive device to reduce pressure on your hands. Professional consultation: If symptoms persist or worsen, seek professional medical advice, which may require physical therapy or, in extreme cases, surgery.
Early identification and prevention
In addition to the above coping strategies, it is important to be aware of the importance of prevention. Regular hand and wrist stretching, proper posture, and the use of ergonomic tools are all effective ways to prevent nerve compression in the hand.