| Most people have probably heard the term "tendonitis", | | | | same pain when setting the table for dinner or writing |
| but what is it and what are the symptoms of | | | | out something by hand with a pen and paper. |
| tendonitis? Tendonitis can occur at various locations in | | | | How is tendonitis treated? |
| the body, including elbow tendonitis, wrist tendonitis, | | | | Initially tendonitis is treated with ice packs, |
| shoulder tendonitis, and in other joints such as the knee | | | | anti-inflammatory medication, and splinting or bracing of |
| or ankle. Tendons are thick cords that connect | | | | the affected area. Adjusting your work space to |
| muscles to bones. The tendons naturally stretch and | | | | decrease pressure put on the back, arms, wrists, neck, |
| contract with use. Tendons can become injured | | | | and hands can be addressed through exploring the |
| suddenly or gradually. A sudden stretch that pulls too | | | | ergonomic aspects of your chair height, use of arm |
| hard on the tendon can cause tendonitis, as can | | | | supports, keyboard and mouse characteristics, and |
| repetitive motions that stress the tendon by | | | | positioning of the computer monitor. To avoid tendonitis |
| over-working it. When tendonitis is caused by repetitive | | | | and carpal tunnel syndrome, make sure that the |
| motions, it usually develops over a long period of time. | | | | computer keyboard and height of your chair are |
| It can take months or years of repetitive movement to | | | | adjusted so that when you are typing, your forearms |
| cause tendonitis. If the stressed tendon tears and | | | | and hands are at the same height and the wrists are |
| heals, scar tissue can form and this may cause chronic | | | | not bent forward or backward. While typing, the wrists |
| tendonitis, with chronic inflammation and pain. | | | | should be floating above the keyboard. Use a wrist |
| How does tendonitis affect computer users? | | | | rest to adjust the angle of the wrists if needed. |
| Computer users most commonly develop tendonitis in | | | | How can I avoid tendonitis? |
| the wrist or hand. When tendonitis is not treated and | | | | Prevention is the best measure to take against |
| the symptoms become worse, it can develop into | | | | tendonitis. If you do feel that you may be developing |
| carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome | | | | tendonitis, see an orthopedic doctor as soon as |
| occurs when the nerve leading from the forearm to | | | | possible. It is best to get recommendations for the type |
| the hand becomes compressed and it is being irritated | | | | of splint or brace to use rather than taking a guess |
| by the structures surrounding it. | | | | and trying to figure out what will help alleviate your |
| What causes tendonitis? | | | | symptoms. As well, self-prescribing over the counter |
| Tendonitis causes are usually easy to establish. When | | | | pain medication is not a good idea. Get a |
| repeated movements put strain on the tendon, the | | | | recommendation from a doctor, especially if you |
| tendon becomes inflamed and painful. The pain can be | | | | already take prescription medications. Physical therapy |
| apparent during the actual movement (typing), or at | | | | may also be recommended. Physical therapy helps to |
| other times such as during periods of rest. The | | | | strengthen muscles so that joints and tendons are |
| sensation can also feel like "grinding" or "burning." | | | | better supported. Getting proper tendonitis treatment |
| Because the tendon is inflamed, the site of the | | | | could make the difference between developing carpal |
| tendonitis can be tender to the touch. The symptoms | | | | tunnel syndrome or not. Anyone who works on a |
| of tendonitis can be apparent with other movements | | | | computer daily should be aware of the symptoms of |
| that utilize the same tendon that has been injured. For | | | | tendonitis and how to prevent it from getting worse if it |
| example, a person who has tendonitis of the wrist | | | | does happen. |
| caused by repetitive keyboard use may also feel the | | | | |