Working at a desk everyday can be very taxing on your hands and body. Here we take a look at how to prevent common injuries associated with using a computer.
Using a computer all day can be taxing on your hands and body due to the repetitive nature of the activity. You may experience numbness and pins and needles caused by carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of the median nerve at the wrist) or cubital tunnel syndrome (compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow). You can also develop tendonitis, which is where the tendons become inflamed in wrist or fingers.
Prevention methods
• Ensuring you have a good ergonomic set up. Your therapist can help you apply ergonomic principles to your workplace and home set up to reduce your symptoms and prevent from re-aggravation
• Taking breaks and mixing up tasks can reduce fatigue and pain
Common treatments
• Splinting may be appropriate depending on your symptoms to help relive compression of a nerve or to support/immobilise the affected tendon to reduce pain and inflammation
Exercises and recovery
• Stretching exercises may help to reduce tightness in the muscles
• Nerve gliding exercises reduce nerve irritability and pain
• Strengthening exercises can improve endurance
• Sometimes you may need a complete break from the activity whilst pain and inflammation settles
• Other treatment modalities such as heat, ice, anti-inflammatories may be helpful
Get in touch with one of our hand therapists today for a full assessment and treatment program designed for your individual needs. Contact us here.
Click these links to read more about shoulder exercises, elbow exercises, arm exercises and finger exercises.