If you’re like most people, you probably spend a lot of time each day using electronics like tablets, computers, phones, TVs, and game consoles. While these devices are incredibly useful, they can also lead to injuries. Here are some tips to help you avoid pain in your fingers, wrists, and hands from using electronic devices.
### Injuries You Can Get from Electronic Devices
**Ganglion Cysts**
Using electronic devices frequently can lead to ganglion cysts, which are swollen, boil-like masses that form under the skin near joints that are overstimulated. Though usually not harmful, they can look pretty unpleasant.
**Carpal Tunnel Syndrome**
Carpal tunnel syndrome is another common issue. It can develop from repetitive actions like typing, using a mouse, or frequently touching a screen. While typically not dangerous, carpal tunnel sometimes needs medical treatment.
**Repetitive Stress Injuries**
These injuries occur from doing the same movements over and over, like texting, typing, or holding a device in one position for too long.
**Muscle Strain**
Using electronics can strain muscles in your neck, back, eyes, hands, and joints. Although muscle strain isn’t usually serious, it’s still best to avoid it.
### Prevention
Preventing these injuries can be straightforward with a few simple practices.
**For Computers:**
– Take breaks every hour to rest your eyes and hands.
– Flex your hands between typing sessions to improve circulation.
– Rest your wrists and hands on a soft surface to reduce strain.
**For Phones and Tablets:**
– Use different fingers to type or text.
– Keep the device at a comfortable distance from your eyes.
– Take breaks every hour, standing up and walking around to restore circulation.
– Sit in a comfortable position while using the device.
Generally, use common sense. If you start to feel pain, change your position or do something else to alleviate the discomfort.
### When to See a Doctor
Most injuries from electronics aren’t serious, but you should consult a doctor if:
– You have chronic pain that won’t go away or gets worse
– You experience stiffness in the joints or loss of feeling
– You feel sudden, sharp pains
– Stretching or changing positions makes the problem worse instead of better
By following these guidelines, you’ll have a more comfortable experience using electronics and reduce your risk of injury. While electronic devices bring many benefits, it’s important to take care of your body to ensure their advantages outweigh any potential harm.