When working in front of the PC arms are. Hands particularly stressed. As the same movements are made over and over again for long periods of time, this can lead to "mouse arm". So-called repetitive strain injury syndrome occurs because muscles, tendons and ligaments are overworked. Tingling sensations in the fingers, pulling pain all the way up the neck, and tendonitis and bursitis can also result. Why it is so important to react at the first symptoms and how mouse arm can be prevented.
Mouse arm: These symptoms are typical
The fingers start to tingle, the forearm pulls and hurts while working on the PC. Over time, the pain can intensify and spread to the forearms, elbows, upper arms, shoulders and neck with each click of the mouse. These symptoms are typical: for mouse arm.
People who spend a lot of time sitting in front of a PC put one-sided and permanent strain on their hands, fingers and wrists. the same movements over and over again, such as clicking your finger on the mouse a hundred times, represent a great strain. In particular, the one-sided load results in incorrect or excessive strain on the muscles, tendons and ligaments, which can lead to Inflammation in the tie can lead. This then manifests itself with stabbing, pulling pain, sometimes even at rest.
If symptoms become noticeable, you should act and take countermeasures. In case of worsening a medical clarification is necessary. Because not only mouse arm, but also other changes in the wrist, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, can cause discomfort, such as tingling and pain. If you continue as before, you run the risk that the pain will worsen and occur even with little or no strain at all.
How you can prevent mouse arm
Various measures can help prevent mouse arm from occurring in the first place or developing into chronic mouse arm despite frequent PC work:
– Do again and again take short breaks, if you work many hours a day at a PC. During breaks, deliberately plan for movement or do activities where your posture changes and other movement occurs. – Adjust your work desk, chair and PC so that you can in an ergonomic sitting posture work. Also make sure that you always sit upright. – Use an ergonomically shaped mouse. Keyboards are also available in an ergonomic version. – The keyboard should be about ten centimeters away from the edge of the desk lie down so that there is enough surface for the hands to rest on. Your hands should rest flat when typing. Do not get bent over. – A Hand rest with support pad in front of the keyboard also relieves the hands. – You regularly work with a laptop? Then you should use a Use an external keyboard and mouse and position your laptop elevated on the desk. An additional monitor can also provide relief. – Pay attention to Arrangement of your work equipment: Documents, telephone and other work equipment should be arranged in such a way that you can always access the mouse and keyboard in a relaxed manner without being obstructed.
With the right exercises and regular stretching, you can counteract mouse arm quite specifically. Your hands. Arms out loosely. Make a fist. Hold your thumb in your fist. Hold your fist briefly, then open your hand and spread your fingers. You should repeat this stretch about ten times. – Let your hands circle around your wrist and keep changing direction. – Press your palms together in front of your chest with your fingers outstretched, as if in a praying posture. Now press the palms of your hands together. Increase the prere within ten seconds. Then release it again. Sit upright, keep your head straight and loosen your shoulders. Repeat the exercise five times.
Take help
You need further assistance to stay healthy at your workplace? Find out whether your workplace has measures and programs for workplace health promotion (WHP). As part of the BGF, various offers, such as sports courses or stress management seminars, can be taken up. Working conditions can also be promoted by the employer, for example by offering ergonomic chairs.
If you have complaints that are triggered by your work situation, seek the advice of an occupational physician or a doctor. Company doctor on. It can help you make your workstation ergonomic and initiate treatment for symptoms, if necessary.