Did you know, the term muscle actually comes from the Romans? From the Latin word; musculus, meaning little mouse because they thought that some muscles (like the biceps) looked like a little mouse running under the skin.
Of course, it’s not the only mouse that we use a lot in everyday life these days, the more common mouse we use is the computer mouse! Globally, we are estimated to spend over 6 hours a day using the computer, which can be a lot of overuse for the muscles and tendons of the muscles in the forearm and wrist.
This is what we’re talking about today, a problem that has become known more recently as Mouse Arm Syndrome, an overuse injury from computer usage that can start as an achy discomfort, but if left untreated, it can lead to a painful injury not just in the forearm but that may radiate from the elbow to the forearm and wrist.
Overuse of the muscles in the forearm and wrist to manipulate and use the computer mouse for several hours each day causes them to tighten up. This puts adverse force on the tendons, where the muscle attaches to the bone, and can lead to swelling and inflammation at that point.
To the medically-minded or sporty of you, this may sound familiar. And yes, Mouse Arm Syndrome is indeed a new name for Lateral Epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow. Typically, the advice for what to do if you’re experiencing these sort of symptoms is simple; rest from activities that cause pain and the use of ice to reduce swelling and pain, and if you are concerned, it’s always a good idea to see a professional to get checked out. So if you think you’re being bothered with Mouse Arm syndrome, book with us today.
