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Computer mouse fatigue
Computer mouse fatigue is not a specific diagnosis but a collective name for problems that usually come from the forearm and hand but also from other parts such as the upper arm, neck, shoulders. The name computer mouse fatigue comes from the fact that the problems are common when working at a computer and handling the mouse, which causes a poor working position that in turn causes pain from different parts of the arm.
What is Computer mouse fatigue?
Computer mouse fatigue is a collective term for pain from different parts of the arm and hand, usually caused by poor posture when using a computer mouse.
Symptoms of Computer mouse fatigue
Symptoms of Computer mouse fatigue are often a throbbing or pulsating pain in the forearm but also in other parts of the arm. The arm and hand may feel weak, there may be numbness and tingling, and a loss of sensation. You may have pain in your arm and hand and feel stiff and sore. These symptoms can be confused with carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow.
What causes Computer mouse fatigue?
The cause of computer mouse fatigue is a poor working posture where you misalign and thus overload your hand and arm when working at the computer keyboard and mouse. The wrist is then often kept bent in an unnatural position and the arm and hand are tense and cannot relax. Pressure on nerves and blood vessels increases as the fascia becomes denser due to the overload.
Why do I have Computer mouse fatigue?
You may be sitting and working at a keyboard and computer mouse for long periods of time daily. Often you keep your wrist in a backward angle without supporting your hand and arm against the table. The hand and arm work in static tension mode, which soon causes overexertion as it is repeated long and often. You probably don’t vary your posture enough, don’t take enough breaks, and don’t practice relaxation exercises.
When and where should I seek treatment for computer mouse fatigue?
Seek help from FasciaClinics as soon as you feel symptoms of muscle soreness to reduce the risk of further problems and compensations. Early treatment is quicker, and you won’t have to deal with pain and the subsequent problems of pain in more places and poor sleep.
How is Computer mouse fatigue treated?
The excess pressure created in the fascia due to overloading and compaction is treated at the FasciaClinics with, among other things, relief and gentle, pleasant vibrations. The treatment of mouse arm must provide relaxation so that your body posture, back and shoulder blades, come into balance. You need to become aware of what is wrong in your everyday working life and how to achieve an optimal working posture to reduce the strain on your body.
Body balance is also about nutrition, breathing, stress reduction and movement. A FasciaClinic can help you with all of this.
Computer mouse fatigue – what can I do myself?
Try to vary your working position often during the day, for example change your mouse arm. Use a height-adjustable desk. Take breaks and exercise and move your arms and shoulders. Take a brisk walk at lunchtime. Build strength in your core, shoulders, arms and especially your balance.
Computer mouse fatigue Exercises
Wrist rotation. Form your hands into soft fists. Roll your wrists in circles 10-15 times in both directions.
- Stretch the forearm flexors. Stretch your arm out in front of you and bend your wrist up. You can use your other hand to get a deeper stretch, but only if you can manage it.
- Stretch the extensors of the forearm. Stretch your arm out in front of you and bend your wrist down. You can use your other hand to get a deeper stretch, but only if you can manage it.
Relaxation for the lower back and whole body. Lie on your back on a chair with your legs bent at the knees to a 90° angle. Breathe deeply and relax for 10 minutes, feeling your shoulders come down deeply towards the ground.
Computer mouse fatigue support – Computer mouse fatigue aids
There are special supports for the forearm and wrist. Don’t use too big a mouse, the mouse must be adapted to your hand size. Vary with trackpad instead of mouse. Touch screen for the computer gives variety. A faster computer also makes you tense up less.
Computer mouse fatigue – frequently asked questions and answers
How can I prevent computer mouse fatigue?
Vary your posture regularly and often throughout the day. Take breaks and do light gymnastics with your arms and shoulders.
How to tape computer mouse fatigue?
Tape along the extensor muscle from wrist to elbow, the muscle that is overloaded by mouse handling and keyboard use. The muscle should be stretched before taping, i.e. the wrist should be flexed.
