Please note - the solutions suggested below will reduce the risk of further injury and may have prevented the injury occurring, but are not a substitute for treatment.

Tennis/Golfers Elbow

Analyse the movements that aggravate the pain and try to adapt your method of working to eliminate or at least reduce that movement to a minimum. Try alternative mice (pointing devices) such as a Vertical Mouse, and a Natural keyboard.

"Discover a pain free movement and find equipment that uses that movement e.g. conventional mouse use moves the wrist from side to side, the Anir Mouse uses an ‘up and down’ wrist movement, but with the arm on it’s side."

Nerve Pain

Carry out the same process as for tennis/golfers elbow, but add arm/joint positions and pressure points that aggravate the pain. Are you resting your arms on the sharp edge of the desk? If your desk is not deep enough to allow a wrist resting area, consider a new desk (for help, see Choosing a Desk), PC arm supports, Keyboard/mouse tray or a Lapdesk with remote mouse and keyboard.

RSI

Because there are so many causes, there is no all encompassing solution, but rest is essential. Carry out the work analysis above, stop ‘reaching out’ to work, work with your elbows closer to your sides, supported if possible, and your shoulders relaxed. Look at our advice for setting yourself up at your workstation (see At Work), consider a chair with short height adjustable armrests.

"If you rarely use the numeric pad, try a keyboard with numeric pad on the left. This will enable you to mouse closer to you and stop reaching to your right.(see Keyboards)"

Referred Pain

Once again there are many causes, the most frequent being postures such as a hunched back, poking chin or rounded shoulders. These can
put pressure on nerves, causing pain in apparently unrelated places. Look at Solutions for Hand, Wrist & Finger Pain.

"If you feel pain, numbness or tingling, improve the way you work and seek medical advice. Early intervention means an easier cure."

The above information covers only the most common causes and is far from a complete reference. If you would like further advice or information please contact us.