People who work a lot with computers are exposed to one-sided strain and monotonous movements with their hands. The mouse hand clicks hundreds of times a day and always moves the mouse in the same way. In the long run, this strains the muscles, tendons and joints and can lead to RSI syndrome (Repetitive Strain Injury). RSI syndrome is also generally referred to as mouse arm.

 

Mouse arm manifests itself in the form of pain in the wrist, forearm or shoulder. If you don't go to the doctor in time with RSI syndrome, you can quickly develop chronic symptoms. What begins with mild pain often leads to muscle stiffness and stiff joints, as well as small tears and scarring in the muscle tissue.

The first signs such as pulling in the hand, loss of strength and numb fingers are often dismissed by those affected as mere fatigue.

 

Prevention and treatment of mouse arm

 

RSI usually occurs due to incorrect posture in front of the computer. Changing your usual working posture can prevent the condition or alleviate an existing one.

When using the mouse and keyboard, the forearms should rest on the tabletop, preferably at a right angle to the upper arms. Both feet should be firmly on the floor and the upper and lower legs should also form a right angle. Keep your head straight without constantly turning it.

Regular breaks from working with the computer are important to relax the muscles. Take your hand off the mouse when it is not in use. To support the muscles, you can wear a forearm support and use an ergonomic mouse.

 

Targeted stretching exercises are recommended during breaks from computer work:

1. stretch out the mouse arm, grasp its hand with the other hand and slowly stretch it downwards.

2. stand with your shoulder sideways to the wall, point your mouse arm upwards with your hand and keep your forearm vertical. The forearm and upper arm form a 90 degree angle. Lean your forearm against the wall and bend your upper body slightly forwards.

3. stretch your arms upwards with your fingers interlaced and hold them straight while slowly bending your upper body to either side.

4. make a fist with your mouse hand and open it again.

 

Any kind of exercise is good for you in your free time. Swimming and weight training are particularly useful. In addition, the doctor often prescribes physiotherapy and heat or cold treatments, massages and radiotherapy. Relaxation is sometimes facilitated by the administration of painkillers. Painkillers are also administered in particular if the patient develops a fear of the pain and thus tenses up and makes the problem even worse.