MOUSE ATTACK!

     Pain shot through my right hand when I gripped the steering wheel after my ten hour shift. I tried to recall why I had clinched the steering wheel with such force. Maybe, I was just getting old and my joints were succumbing to arthritic pain. Maybe it was because we were so busy at work and I had typed a lot more than usual. The pain had retreated overnight but quickly returned the moment I gripped the mouse with my right hand. I quickly realized my pain was not from too much typing but my joints ached from too much pointing and clicking.

     By my third phone call and subsequent pointing and clicking, the throbbing pain in my right hand had returned. I have been pointing and clicking for over a year why was it so painful now. I had sat at a different workstation than usual the last two days and thought maybe it was a different type of mouse. Then I realized that this workstation was missing a mouse pad and even more critical to my pain, a mouse pad with wrist support. I retrieved a mouse pad with gel wrist support and noticed the difference in my pain level immediately.
     Today we are using more and more electronic devices that can strain our joints and muscles in various ways. The best cure is prevention so don't let those repetitive movements add up to years of unwarranted pain and suffering. As your fitness instructor will advise; you should limit the repetitions and sets you do each day and for every motion there should be a counter-motion. If you can't limit the reps, then be sure to get adequate support, use proper positioning,  and perform an adequate number of counter movements throughout the day.
     Whether you are engaging in fierce battles on your computer at home or knocking out a days work at the office, here are some things to remember to keep your joints and muscle in top shape for the task!

• Use  a mouse pad with wrist support
• Use wrist support for your keyboard
• Perform counter movements throughout the day:
• Grip all four fingers with your opposite hand and slowly bend backwards towards your elbow just until you feel the stretch
• With your arms straight forward, fan your fingers out as far as you can stretch them apart and feel the stretch.
• Lift your arms off the desk, with elbows slightly bent,  and rotate your fists in small circles in both directions
• Raise one arm over your head, bend at elbow and put your hand on the back of your neck. Reach over your head with the other hand gripping the opposite elbow. Pulling slowly to feel the stretch. Switch arms and repeat.
• Stand and stretch at least once an hour. If your desk has the option to raise, switch between standing and sitting every few hours.
• Refocus your eyes looking off into the distance and focusing on a far away object for at least 3 minutes every hour.
• Combine standing, refocusing your eyes, and stretching, when possible, by taking a short 3 minute walk at least every two  hours.
• Use a rocking foot rest while you are sitting at your desk and stretch your ankles forward and back feeling the stretch in your lower legs.
• Lift your legs slightly and rotate your feet in small circles in both directions.

Find more information about using today's technology safely in Chapter 23 of "The 30 Day Home Management Project:."

More information from the  MAYO CLINIC on Preventing Eye Strain