5 Good Habits to Combat Hand Pain at Work

Work is a fundamental part of most people’s lives, but it often takes its toll on our hands and wrists. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, affects millions of people worldwide and is one of the leading causes of sick leave.

We discuss 5 good habits that can help combat hand pain at work, and at the same time, we focus on the shocking reality of osteoarthritis as a significant concern in the workplace.

Good habit 1 Ergonomics in the Workplace

Ergonomics is the study of designing workplaces to accommodate human capabilities and limitations.Ensuring that your workplace is ergonomically designed is critical to preventing hand pain.

This includes, for example, adjusting the height of the chair, desk and computer screen to maintain proper posture. A working position that is not ergonomic can put additional pressure on the hands and wrists, which can lead to long-term injury and pain.

Tip: Consult an ergonomics specialist to evaluate and improve the ergonomics of your workplace. Small adjustments can make a big difference in the comfort and health of your hands.

Good Habit 2: Regular Breaks and Stretching

Taking regular periodic breaks and performing specific stretches is key to preventing hand pain at work.

Accumulated fatigue and tension in the hands can be relieved by stretching exercises. Stretching the fingers, bending the wrists back and forth, and rotating the wrists in circles are exercises that help maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness.

Tip: Set reminders to take breaks and stretch every hour. Search online for specific hand and wrist exercises that fit your needs and work schedule.

Good Habit 3: Task Variation and Task Rotation

Task rotation is essential if your work involves repetitive hand movements. Osteoarthritis, a disease that affects the joints of the hands and wrists, can be exacerbated by constant repetition of certain movements. Rotating between different tasks reduces overload on specific areas of the hands and prevents the development of chronic problems.

Tip: If you are your own boss, self-employed or have some control over your job responsibilities, try to organize your workday to include a variety of tasks that require different hand movements. This will help prevent fatigue and pain concentrated in one area.

Good Habit 4: Use of Proper Tools and Equipment

Using the right tools and protective equipment for your job is critical to preventing hand pain. If you work with hand tools, such as screwdrivers or hammers, choose those with ergonomic handles that fit comfortably in your hand. If you work in an office environment, consider using ergonomic keyboards and mice that reduce strain on your hands and wrists.

Tip: Consult with an ergonomics specialist or occupational health expert to make sure you are using the right tools and ergonomic equipment in the work environment. Investing in quality ergonomic tools can be an effective preventive measure.

Good Habit 5: Maintain Proper Posture and Osteoarthritis Awareness

Posture is critical to preventing hand pain at work, but it’s also important to consider the impact osteoarthritis can have in the workplace.

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and is one of the leading causes of sick leave. This degenerative joint disease can be especially detrimental in work environments where repetitive hand movements are performed or constant use of the affected joints is required.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that more than 130 million people worldwide suffer from osteoarthritis, and this figure tends to increase as the population ages. In many cases, osteoarthritis affects the joints of the hands and wrists, which can significantly hinder work performance.

One of the most troubling aspects of osteoarthritis in the workplace is that it is among the leading causes of sick leave. People suffering from osteoarthritis in the hands are often forced to take medical leave due to pain, inflammation and decreased mobility. This not only affects individuals in terms of health and quality of life, but also has a significant impact on work productivity and the overall economy.

Therefore, it is essential that both employers and employees recognize the importance of addressing osteoarthritis in the workplace. Implementing ergonomic practices, promoting a culture of health and wellness, and raising awareness about osteoarthritis prevention can make a significant difference in workers’ health and in reducing sick leave.

Tip: If you are an entrepreneur or business owner, consider providing ergonomics and osteoarthritis awareness training to employees. Encouraging self-care and providing a work environment that minimizes the risk of osteoarthritis-related injuries is beneficial to both your employees and your company.

Therefore, adopting good habits and maintaining proper posture at work is essential to preventing hand pain. At the same time, it is critical to recognize the shocking reality of osteoarthritis in the workplace. This disease affects millions of people and is one of the leading causes of sick leave worldwide. By adopting ergonomic practices and promoting osteoarthritis awareness, we can work toward a healthier and more productive work environment for all.