Medical expert warns of nerve compression risks from daily habits

Prof. Dr. Egemen Ayhan, an Orthopedics and Traumatology and Hand Surgery specialist, warns that daily habits such as prolonged computer use, smartphone usage, and repetitive movements with a mouse or keyboard can lead to nerve compression.

Symptoms of nerve compression include increasing numbness in the hands, tingling that wakes a person from sleep at night, numbness in the pinky and ring fingers when bending the elbow, electric sensations at specific points, or unexplained hand weakness.

Notably, some patients may experience persistent symptoms even when electromyography (EMG) nerve conduction tests return normal results. Prof. Ayhan emphasizes that early and accurate evaluation is crucial to prevent permanent loss of function. Risk factors include diabetes, hormonal or rheumatic diseases, pregnancy, and repetitive strenuous movements. The condition is not limited to older populations; it can affect younger individuals through nighttime numbness or middle-aged individuals through decreased manual dexterity.