There is always plenty of room under the Christmas tree for technology. The tech gifts are among the most popular presents for the Christmas holidays for people of any age. However, even behind these gifts of sophisticated technology a certain snare may hide. The technology, for example, can hurt one’s hands. Prolonged use of smartphones, keyboards and mouse can damage the functionality of the hands. Dr.Alberto Lazzerini, head of operations for Hand Surgery at Humanitas hospital, speaks on this topic for the weekly magazine Oggi.
“The prolonged and excessive use of mobile phones, video games, keyboard and the computer mouse may cause a variety of damage to the hands that may be difficult to resolve. The result – explains Dr. Lazzerini – is an overload of tendons and muscles with an increase in chronic tendonitis or other disorders caused by incorrect positions and become rather painful. The thumb may suffer the most because it is more involved in repetitive movements. “Damage caused by an excess use of technology may even require surgery, “Sometimes the overload helps to bring out latent problems that may require a delicate surgery.”
(For further information see here: Cervical and wrinkles, here is what happens to the neck with tablets, smartphones and PCs )
Boys, who are beginning to use various technological devices from a young age are particularly interested in technology and at Christmas they often ask for and receive gifts with a high level of technology, “They spend hours and hours making incorrect and repetitive movements with the hands and fingers in abnormal positions.” So what is recommended? Stopping from time to time: “Just take breaks. Tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints need rest. Whether you’re working on the PC or relaxing with video games, the rule is always the same – suggests the expert – do not exceed.”
What if technology has already caused damage to the hands?
“In cases of chronic tendonitis, treatment involves anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy and rest. In cases of problems caused by the type of work one does, one has to make a study of ergonomics, a study of posture that is effective in the office.”
(For further information see here: Technostress: careful use of PC, smartphone and social networks)
It is always recommended to hold a correct position when seated at a desk in front of the PC. To prevent pain in the hands, it is recommended to place the mouse “at hand” at the side of the keyboard if it is necessary to use it for several hours a day. Thus, the wrist must be held in a natural position. Moreover, there are commercial, more ergonomic mats for mouse with a “wrist rest”.
