Point-and-Click Pain? It Could Be Mouse Elbow

You’ve probably heard of tennis elbow before. Like tennis elbow, mouse elbow is pain, weakness, tingling or numbness in the forearm or elbow. Associated with computer use, mouse elbow is part of a class of injuries known as RSIs: repetitive stress injuries. These are overuse injuries that can be caused by almost any type of repetitive movement over a long period, especially gripping, pinching or rotating. A rising number of RSI cases are also being caused by typing and tapping on digital devices.

It may seem strange that something as small as moving your fingers could cause pain all the way over in your elbow. It comes down to the intricate connections inside your forearm. Put your left hand on top of your right forearm and wiggle your right fingers; you can feel these connections for yourself. When you move your hand and fingers in the same way over and over for a long time, it puts stress on the tendon attached to the elbow bone.

RSI symptoms usually start off mild and only bother you when you do specific things. But left untreated, RSIs can get worse until they affect you almost all the time.

Don’t blame the “mouse-senger”

The mouse may contribute to your pain, but it isn’t necessarily the cause. If your clicks can be heard down the hall, you’re using too much force. A modern mouse only needs a light tap to work. If that doesn’t work for your mouse, you should consider having it cleaned or replaced.

The problem could also be that your arm isn’t getting enough support. When the outer bone of your elbow (the lateral epicondyle) is repeatedly jarred or put under stress by your forearm, tendons can become inflamed or torn, causing tendonitis (specifically, lateral epicondylitis). Rotating and gripping with your hand — such as reaching to move your mouse with your arm extended and no cushion underneath — is particularly hazardous to your elbow.

Avoid pain when using your mouse with these tips:

• Keep reaching distances to a minimum.
• Use a wrist pad to support your arm.
• Keep your wrist straight and forearm parallel with the desktop.
• Use smooth, gentle movements, not jerky ones.
• Change positions and rest frequently.
• Apply ice or take aspirin for pain after long hours of work.

If your pain persists, see your doctor or an occupational therapist at Riverview Health. You may be able to find relief with an elbow brace, which you can wear while your use the computer, or by doing special elbow strengthening exercises.

Ready to meet with one of our orthopedic and sports medicine doctors? Call us at 317.565.0505 to request an appointment.

Source: OSHA.gov