We talk a lot about how to avoid injuries when engaging in a workout. But sometimes one doesn’t have to take part in an extensive exercise regimen to be placed in danger. In the modern world, we engage with technology constantly. It’s not uncommon for someone to use their Smartphone on their way to work, use a computer throughout the day, continue to use a Smartphone when they get home, and even play a videogame system to wind down for the night.
Our bodies were simply not designed for this kind of exposure to technology, something that necessarily requires us to contort our hands into gnarled positions throughout the day. Eight hours with one’s hands in a typing position or hovered over a mouse can easily make an individual susceptible to carpal tunnel, and this danger can be compounded by other things as well. Clutching a phone for too long can do damage, as can twisting one’s hands into the awkward positions required to play videogames, especially those of the handheld variety.
Thankfully, you don’t just have to wait for an injury to occur. You can take certain steps to protect your health. We came across a new interview in Popular Mechanics featuring the insights of an expert from the University of Washington. That interview explores some of the dangers that we’re forced to confront in a world filled with technology as well as what you might be able to do to ward off danger. You should take a look if you ever find that your hands are in severe pain.
The first thing you must realize is that you shouldn’t wait until the pain is severe to address the issue. At that point, you’ve probably already stressed your body past an unsafe point. Try to stop or at least cut back on a given function once pain is apparent, and take some type of NSAID to see if that does the trick.
Whether at work or at home, you should be looking into the ways in which you might be able to diminish your risk of carpal tunnel or repetitive motion-based injury. There are ergonomic keyboards and mouses available that decrease the strain your wrists would otherwise feel. When those are used in conjunction with chairs that offer back support, you can help make sure that an otherwise sedentary job doesn’t leave you at risk for inactivity injuries.
As far as manipulating Smartphones, tablets, and videogame systems or controllers go, be sure to limit the time you spend on these and get used to holding them in a manner that doesn’t create discomfort. There might be stands available that make these easier to manipulate.
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