Core Viewpoint - The new version of the "Occupational Disease Classification and Directory" in China officially includes carpal tunnel syndrome, commonly known as "mouse hand," as a legally recognized occupational disease starting from August 1 [1] Group 1: Prevalence and Symptoms - The prevalence of "mouse hand" among video terminal workers in China is reported to be between 12% and 15% [1] - Symptoms include wrist pain and finger numbness, particularly affecting the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger [2][5] - Women are at a higher risk due to narrower carpal tunnels and hormonal changes that may increase swelling [2] Group 2: Causes and Affected Professions - "Mouse hand" is closely related to repetitive wrist movements and excessive local pressure, not limited to office workers but also affecting drivers, assembly line workers, and musicians [3][4] - Activities such as playing musical instruments or household chores can also lead to the condition [4] Group 3: Self-Assessment and Misconceptions - Signs of "mouse hand" include increased numbness at night, decreased grip strength, and potential muscle atrophy at the base of the thumb [5] - A common misconception is that "mouse hand" is merely a strain that does not require treatment, which can lead to irreversible nerve damage if left unaddressed [6] Group 4: Treatment and Prevention - Early symptoms can be managed with stretching, heat therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications, while severe cases may require surgical intervention [7] - Two recommended preventive exercises include tendon gliding and median nerve sliding, which should be performed daily without causing numbness or pain [8]

Core Point - The new version of the "Occupational Disease Classification and Catalog" in China officially includes carpal tunnel syndrome, commonly known as "mouse hand," as a recognized occupational disease starting from August 1 [1] Group 1 - Employees diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome due to work-related reasons can apply for work injury recognition from social security departments [1] - If recognized as a work injury, employees are entitled to benefits according to regulations [1] - The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among video terminal workers in China is reported to be between 12% and 15% [1]

Core Viewpoint - The new version of the "Occupational Disease Classification and Directory" in China officially includes carpal tunnel syndrome, commonly known as "mouse hand," as a legally recognized occupational disease starting from August 1 [1] Group 1: Prevalence and Symptoms - The prevalence of "mouse hand" among video terminal workers in China is reported to be between 12% and 15% [1] - Symptoms of "mouse hand" include wrist pain and finger numbness, primarily affecting the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger [4][10] - The condition is often confused with cervical spondylosis, but it has distinct symptoms [2][4] Group 2: Causes and Risk Factors - The development of "mouse hand" is closely related to repetitive wrist movements and excessive local pressure [1] - Women, especially middle-aged, are at a higher risk due to naturally narrower carpal tunnels and hormonal changes that may exacerbate swelling [2] - Other high-risk groups include drivers, assembly line workers, and chefs, indicating that the condition is not limited to office workers [5] Group 3: Diagnosis and Treatment - Early symptoms can be managed with stretching, heat therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications, while advanced cases may require surgical intervention [10] - Self-assessment can be done by comparing muscle size and strength in the affected area [9] Group 4: Prevention Techniques - Experts recommend two key exercises to prevent "mouse hand": tendon gliding and median nerve gliding, which should be performed daily [11]

Group 1 - The condition known as "mouse hand" is caused by increased pressure in the carpal tunnel, leading to compression of the median nerve, resulting in pain and other symptoms [1] - The development of this condition is closely related to long-term repetitive wrist movements or excessive local pressure, primarily manifesting as wrist pain or finger numbness [1] - Women are more likely to develop "mouse hand" due to naturally narrower carpal tunnels and hormonal changes that may increase the risk of edema, particularly during middle age [3] Group 2 - "Mouse hand" symptoms can be confused with those caused by cervical spondylosis, which can delay treatment; however, there are clear distinctions between the two [3] - The typical symptoms of "mouse hand" include numbness in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger, without discomfort in the neck [4] - Unlike cervical spondylosis, "mouse hand" does not present with sensations radiating from the neck to the arm and forearm [4]