Pain From the Elbow to the Wrist When Using a Mouse on the Computer

As you are sitting at work, doing your everyday duties on your computer, you suddenly notice that the pain you started feeling a few weeks ago, the pain that runs from your wrist all the way up to your elbow, isn't going away; it may actually be getting worse. If this describes you, you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. Once you diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, the next step is to select the best form of treatment that will make the pain running from your elbow to your wrist dissipate completely.

Symptoms

• The pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome is distinct and somewhat easy to diagnose. While the main complaint is often a general sense of pain running from the wrist to the elbow, this pain is often accompanied by feelings of tingling and numbness in the fingers or palms. Other symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include wrist pain, limited coordination of the hands and weakness in the hands, and an overall deterioration of the muscle in the hand, along with a weak grip.

Causes

• The swelling of the tunnel in your wrist where the easily-pinched nerve exists ultimately causes carpal tunnel syndrome. However, it is some of the most average, normal and thoughtless daily activities that cause this swelling to begin in the first place. A main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is using a computer mouse and maintaining a fixed position for hours on end while performing a repetitive, slow motion. Other activities that cause carpal tunnel syndrome include driving, painting, writing, sewing, the use of hand tools, racquetball or handball and the playing of certain instruments.

Treatment

• There are things you can do to ease your pain and ultimately get rid of it completely. Milder treatments for pain running from the elbow to the wrist include wearing a splint at night, avoiding certain sleeping positions and using heat and ice compresses. Extreme conditions may require that you take anti-inflammatory drugs or even have surgery on the affected nerve to relieve the pain.

Preventing the Pain

• Preventing carpal tunnel syndrome and the pain that runs from the elbow to the wrist takes some planning. When you are at the computer and using a mouse and keyboard, frequently change your position so that you aren't performing the repetitive movement that is essentially causing you pain. Additionally, investing in special mouses, keyboards, and keyboard tables may significantly reduce and prevent any future pain, at the office and at home. To prevent carpal tunnel, make sure that you don't perform repetitive movements with the mouse without taking breaks. Always stop what you are doing and reevaluate your situation at the first sign of pain.