Performing the same movements over and over again, e.g. moving and clicking the mouse, can take a toll on our hands, often leading to repetitive strain injury. — dpa
Whether it is sitting at a screen, making music at a keyboard or doing gymnastics, you are at risk of getting tendonitis whenever you repeat the same movements over and over again.
When connective tissue around your tendons becomes inflamed and causes you pain, it's often a repetitive strain on the wrist that's to blame, says surgeon Dr Martin Rinio.
But you can prevent that by breaking up monotonous sequences and avoiding overload.
You can start by setting a timer to remind yourself to take a break at work.
Also, bear in mind that warm-ups and stretching exercises are not only good for athletes and musicians, but help office workers too.
If you have a day of desk work ahead of you, try stretching your hands and fingers to avoid numbness and pain.
Desk workers, check to make sure you are sitting in the right posture.
If you face a screen, most of your lower arm should be lying flat on the desk.
Your wrist should also lie as flat as possible, which can be helped with the right mousepad support.
Also, check the kind of mouse you have as you should get one that suits your specific needs.
If you are suffering from tendonitis, you'll notice the affected area hurts whenever you move it, and at some point, even when you are resting.
Often, you will see some redness and swelling.
It is not just a wrist thing either as you can also find this in your feet, your Achilles tendons, your forearms and elbows.
Brace yourself as it can take time to treat what is technically known as tendovaginitis.
The first step is to get you some relief.
The doctor might prescribe you some supportive orthotics, which are semi-rigid bandages to support your joint.
If you are suffering frequently or have very severe inflammation, then you might need to take anti-inflammatory tablets to supplement the rest.
In rare cases, you might need to get cortisone injections to reduce the inflammation. – dpa
