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Health & Fitness

Pain Free Hands

Do yourself a favor and protect those delicate hands and fingers along with your entire structure from deteriorating by applying these simple tips.

Your hands perform a number of countless tasks, from pouring your coffee in the morning, to driving to work and working on a computer to brushing your teeth at night. But aching hands are a different story and definitely a painful experience. If you open an anatomy book, under that skin are intricate nerves, tendons, muscle, ligaments and bones. Each structure has its own function and when one is injured the others become vulnerable as well.

Several reasons exist why your hands may hurt, it could be from an injury or mechanical or neurological. One of the most common secondary condition is Arthritis - which according to the Arthritis Foundation - affects one in five Americans. Another common secondary condition is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - where the nerves under the wrist are compressed or injured causing numbness, tingling and most likely pain. Even though both secondary conditions are common, it does not mean that you have to suffer. There are steps that you can do to prevent them.

Office Ergonomics

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Most people do not realize that you can actually have an evaluation by an Ergonomic specialist at your workplace. Such an evaluation will help you avoid habits that are repetitive and straining to your delicate hands, fingers and most of all your body. If such an evaluation is not available then below are some tips you can use to your advantage:

  • Make sure your wrists are in a neutral position. Neutral means not flexed or extended. To find out, place a tape or band aid on top of your wrist where it bends. While typing if the tape or band aid bends or stretches then you are not in a neutral position. To fix it, place a padding under the wrist to keep it neutral.
  • Stretch every hour. Better yet, every half hour. Stand up, talk to a co-worker or eat a fruit. Move around and keep that body moving, while you are at it, stretch those hands and fingers.
  • Always check new keyboards and mouse configurations. Do not trust the so-called "ergonomic gimmick" of new technologies. Test them out prior to using them on a regular basis.

 

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Create Your Own Workspace

Make your workspace work for you, not vice-versa. Move documents, computer monitors chair height, desk height and even pen holders or staplers close to you. To do this, you might want to look at the suggestions below:

  • Mouse, keyboard, paper, documents, staplers, tape or anything you will use while working should be within arms length or even closer.  
  • Computer monitor about arm's length and the height about eye level. You want to be able to keep your neck from either shifting forward or stooping upwards. Remember: your hands, fingers and arms are controlled by the nerves that come from your head (brain).  
  • Request for an ergonomic adjustable chair.  Padded wrist support, back rest tilt and sitting tilt options are always best.
  • Lastly, a footrest can be your friend.  Just make sure that your knees are slightly lower than your hips.

 

Bottom Line: Do yourself a favor and protect those delicate hands and fingers along with your entire structure from deteriorating by applying these simple tips above. While you are at it, please have your co-worker read this too.

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/drbriant

Dr. Brian's Ultimate Health Blog: http://bit.ly/7OwRRl

 

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