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If your wrist hurts from using a computer mouse, you’re not alone. Office workers and anyone spending long periods at a desk often experience wrist discomfort caused by repetitive motions and poor ergonomic habits.
In this article, we’ll cover how to prevent wrist pain, identify risk factors, and explore stretches, workstation tips, and treatment options. At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow in Marietta and Atlanta, GA, we specialize in diagnosing and treating wrist issues caused by repetitive tasks and stress.
If you’re experiencing pain or numbness, our team is here to help. Contact us today to explore your treatment options.
Spending hours in front of a screen might seem harmless, but repetitive movements like clicking and dragging a mouse can lead to serious wrist discomfort. The small muscles and tendons in your wrist and forearm are sensitive to overuse and improper positioning.
One of the most common concerns is carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve. This pressure can result from poor positioning, tight muscles, or nerve compression over time.
Symptoms may include numbness, painful tingling, or weakness in the thumb, fingers, and forearm.
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a similar disorder, but unlike carpal tunnel, it affects the nerves in the elbow rather than the wrist.
Another Repetitive Strain Injury is tendonitis. The tendons in your wrist and hand can get inflamed due to overuse. It sounds simple, but tendonitis can be a painful, repetitive strain injury. It can be serious enough to require physical therapy for the affected upper body part.
However, the most common wrist pain and radial wrist pain from mouse usage is muscle fatigue. Many people are surprised by how hard it can be to continue using their hands when the muscles get too tired from repeated movement to operate.
Muscle fatigue can mimic carpal tunnel syndrome, so if you do not get relief after a few days of rest, you should see your doctor for a physical examination.
Not everyone who works at a computer will develop wrist issues, but several factors may increase your risk:
Even everyday tasks like scrolling, typing, or holding a phone can contribute to accumulated stress in the wrist over time.
Making small changes in your work environment can go a long way toward reducing wrist strain. Consider the following tips:
Preventing wrist pain also means taking care of the muscles, tendons, and nerves involved in daily use. Incorporate the following exercises and wrist stretches into your day:
Doing these exercises a few times per day may help reduce strain and keep your wrists functioning comfortably.
If you’ve made adjustments and are still experiencing painful symptoms, such as numbness, weakness, or limited wrist motion, it’s time to consult a specialist. You may be dealing with a more advanced condition like nerve compression or carpal tunnel syndrome.
At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, we provide comprehensive care including diagnostics, physical therapy, minimally invasive treatments, and, when necessary, surgical options. While many people find relief with conservative care, some cases may benefit most from surgical intervention, depending on severity and lifestyle needs.
Our specialists work with patients across Atlanta and Marietta to evaluate the cause of discomfort and recommend a personalized plan to treat the issue and prevent pain from returning.
Your wrists do a lot, from typing emails to tackling repetitive tasks all day long. When your wrist hurts from using a computer mouse, the key to long-term comfort is proactive care, proper support, and professional guidance. If you’re struggling with symptoms that don’t go away, Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow is here to help.
Schedule an appointment today at our Marietta or Atlanta location to get expert evaluation and customized solutions. We’re dedicated to helping you feel confident and pain-free in your daily activities.
We hope you will join us at our 2019 Continuing Education Conference at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center in Atlanta, GA.
In light of recent developments with regards to COVID-19, we are canceling our conference planned for June of this year. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you next year!
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