The impact of wearing stone bracelets for a long time on the wrist
1. Blocked blood circulation
The wrist is one of the important parts of the human body for blood circulation, with numerous blood vessels and nerves distributed there. Wearing stone bracelets for a long time, especially those that are too small or fit too tightly, can cause continuous pressure on blood vessels. This kind of compression will restrict the normal flow of blood, resulting in poor local blood circulation in the wrist. In the early stage, it may only be manifested as a slight numbness and coldness in the wrist. As the wearing time increases, the symptoms may worsen, leading to wrist swelling and pain. In severe cases, it may even affect the normal movement of the hand, such as reduced finger flexibility and weakened grip strength.
2. Skin damage
Frictional damage: The surface of stone bracelets is usually quite hard. During the long-term friction with the wrist skin, it is easy to wear down the stratum corneum of the skin. The stratum corneum is the first line of defense of the skin. Once it is damaged, the skin's barrier function will be weakened, making it easier for external bacteria, viruses and other pathogens to invade, thereby causing skin infections and presenting symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching and rashes.
Allergic reaction: Some people may have allergic reactions to the material of stone bracelets. During the mining and processing of stones, they may come into contact with some chemical substances, or certain components contained in the stones themselves may all become allergens. When these allergens come into contact with the skin, they will stimulate the immune system to produce an allergic reaction, causing allergic symptoms such as redness, papules and blisters on the skin, accompanied by severe itching.
3. Nerve compression
Important nerves such as the median nerve pass through the wrist. Wearing a stone bracelet that is too tight for a long time can cause compression on the nerves and affect their normal conduction function. Compression of the median nerve may cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients may experience symptoms such as numbness, tingling and weakness in their fingers, especially with more obvious abnormal sensations in the thumb, index finger and middle finger. In severe cases, it may also lead to atrophy of the hand muscles and affect the fine motor skills of the hands.
4. Affect joint movement
If the size of the stone bracelet is not appropriate, a too tight bracelet will limit the normal range of motion of the wrist joint. If this persists for a long time, it may lead to adaptive changes in the soft tissues such as the muscles and ligaments around the wrist joint, resulting in problems such as joint stiffness and inflexibility. Moreover, during wrist movement, the repeated friction between the bracelet and the joint area may also aggravate the wear and tear of the joint and increase the risk of diseases such as arthritis.
Relief methods
1. Adjust the wearing time and method
Control the wearing duration: Try to avoid wearing the stone bracelet continuously for a long time. It is recommended that the daily wearing time does not exceed 8 hours. When resting, sleeping or doing vigorous exercise, it is best to remove the bracelet to allow the wrist to fully relax and rest.
Choose the right size: When purchasing a stone bracelet, make sure to select a product of the appropriate size. The inner diameter of the bracelet should be slightly larger than the circumference of the wrist, so that it can slide easily on the wrist without being too loose. If the bracelet has already been purchased and is too small in size, you can try to have it expanded at a professional jewelry store. However, be aware that the operation process may cause certain damage to the bracelet.
2. Promote blood circulation
Appropriate massage: When you feel discomfort in your wrist due to wearing a bracelet, you can give it an appropriate massage. Gently massage the muscles and acupoints around the wrist with your fingers, such as Neiguan and Waiguan points, for 5 to 10 minutes each time. You can do this 2 to 3 times a day. Massage can promote blood circulation and relieve fatigue and discomfort in the wrists.
Hot compress: Hot compress is also an effective way to promote blood circulation. You can apply a hot towel or hot water bag to your wrist for 15 to 20 minutes each time, 2 to 3 times a day. Hot compress can dilate blood vessels, increase blood flow, and relieve swelling and pain in the wrist.
3. Skin care
Keep clean: Regularly clean your wrists and bracelets to prevent dust, dirt and other substances from accumulating between the bracelets and your skin, reducing irritation to the skin. When cleaning, you can use mild soapy water, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft towel.
Using skin care products: If the skin on the wrist shows problems such as dryness and peeling due to wearing bracelets, you can apply some mild skin care products, such as moisturizing cream and Vaseline, to keep the skin moist and enhance its barrier function.
4. Relieve nerve compression
Adjust posture: In daily life, it is important to maintain the correct posture and avoid keeping the wrist in a bent or compressed state for a long time. For example, when using a computer, place the keyboard and mouse at an appropriate height to keep your wrists naturally straight.
Wearing protective gear: If symptoms of nerve compression such as carpal tunnel syndrome have already occurred, wrist protective gear such as wrist rests can be worn under the guidance of a doctor. Wrist rests can limit the range of motion of the wrist, reduce the compression on the nerves and relieve symptoms.
5. Joint movement exercises
Rotating the wrist: Regularly performing wrist rotation movements can enhance the flexibility of the wrist joints and the strength of the surrounding muscles. The specific method is as follows: Extend your arm straight with your palm facing down, then slowly rotate your wrist clockwise and counterclockwise, 10 to 15 times in each direction. You can do 3 to 4 sets every day.
Fist stretching: Fist stretching exercises are also helpful for exercising the wrist joints. First, clench your fingers into fists, then forcefully straighten them. Repeat this action 10 to 15 times. Do 3 to 4 sets every day.
