Tendonitis caused by excessive computer usage

Nowadays, more and more people spend a great amount of time in front of the computer. Most of the jobs are computer based, and even if someone does not use a computer in its job, probably uses the computer at home.

For game playing, for working, for researching, almost all things can be found or done in the computer.

But there is a problem that affects many people nowadays, caused by the constant and continuous work with the computer: tendonitis.

Tendonitis is a inflammation of the tendon of the wrists, caused by the incorrect positioning of the hands. There are special problematic positions, such as grabbing the mouse, that worse the pain in the tendons.

· keep an ice bag at home and one at work: ice greatly lowers the pain and lets the arm heal;

· put cold packs on the wrists, and after the cold pack, put a cortizone cream in the wrists area;

· physical therapy: physical therapy folks treat athletic injuries and work place injuries;

· Use bandages: it help lowering the pain, but the usages of bandages is doubtful, because they can restrict blood flow, and make the symptom worse.

· Use splints: splints also help reducing pain, but they also are somewhat controversial. Tight fitting splints suffer the same disadvantages as bandages.

· Ergonomic mousepads and keyboards: it takes a little to get used to the keyboard but it makes a big difference in the time you can spend working before pain interferes;

· use a trackball instead of the mouse: this works because you start working different muscles in your hand. So basically, you pass the problem to somewhere else;

· stand up and move around at least once every half hour. Flex your wrists a bit. That also helps get the blood moving, which will wake you up some.

- use keyboard shortcuts: you'll reduce the usage of the mouse, and work faster.

But the better solution is always to prevent! If you cannot prevent by stopping to type, at least prevent by using keyboard shortcuts instead of the mouse. Its easy, and makes your work more efficient.

Of course a few rest breaks per day never hurt!