The digital-first world we live in requires us to constantly put our fingers and wrists in awkward positions to interact with screens, whether while typing on a phone or laptop or using a mouse to click on the screen.
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The biggest reason health danger lies in how consistent these movements are across screens throughout the day. Soon, these repetitive tech-related hand movements can take a toll on the joints, nerves and tendons. This is especially true for desk workers whose primary responsibilities are highly digital and require long hours of typing.
In a conversation with HT Lifestyle, Dr Abhishek Barli, senior consultant, robotic joint replacement, trauma and arthroscopic surgeon at Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad, helped decode what health repercussions may emerge after long hours of typing. It may seem like regular and routine work, and the side effects, such as hand fatigue, may only get temporary relief from balms. But soon, in future, it does exert a lot of stress on the joints, nerves and tendons.
“Repetitive movements, like mouse use or typing, can eventually develop into repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), which are becoming more and more common among office workers, students, IT professionals, and even teenagers,” Dr Barli revealed those who may be vulnerable to RSIs.
Which symptoms should you not ignore?
The surgeon listed out these symptoms, and you should pay close attention to them and seek medical help if they persist:
- Tingling
- Numbness in fingers
- Thumb pain
- Wrist discomfort
- Hand fatigue
- Reduced grip strength
- Burning sensation in forearms
Dr Barli warned that these symptoms may be mild in the beginning, but they may slowly worsen. Further, he also informed of a specific symptom, seen in some, “Some report a locking or clicking of their fingers, particularly in conditions such as trigger finger.”
Can desk work cause permanent damage ?
Concerns of long-term damage also surface about permanent hand damage, but the doctor assured that in many cases, if caught early, they can be reversed. But taking rest in between us is non-negotiable; otherwise, he cautioned that repetitive use without adequate rest and/or ergonomic correction, chronic inflammation and nerve compression can occur.
Can any condition still persist after treatment? Dr Barli said yes, and said, “Even after treatment, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness, weakness, loss of dexterity and decreased grip strength. In severe, untreated cases, muscle wasting around the thumb can even occur.”
Who are the most vulnerable people?
According to Dr Barli, repetitive strain injuries are most reported among office workers, students, IT professionals and even teenagers. The reasons can be traced back to typing, mouse work, smartphone use or gaming, without enough rest or proper ergonomic habits.
How to protect your hand properly?
To avoid hand fatigue and symptoms like tingling and numbness, you need to adhere to some precautionary measures during long hours of device usage. Here are some from Dr Barli:
1. Keep keyboard and mouse at elbow height.
2. Take short breaks from movement every 45-60 minutes.
3. Stretch your fingers and wrists.
4. Improve your overall posture.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
