Solon: How are your wrists?

WE ARE on our way to our fourth month of community quarantine. Much of work has migrated to the home with an increased dependence on doing things through the computer or through our phones. Research has shown that on average, people spend three hours and 15 minutes on their phones, with the top 20 percent of users spending upwards of four hours and 30 minutes.

If we recall, smartphones have started to get bigger over the past few years. This comes at a cost though, as these phones have started to become heavier, increasing the strain on our hands.

According to a survey by O2, a mobile provider in the United Kingdom, 43 percent of its users had experienced some pain around the thumb and index fingers in the past five years.

Combined with working on computer workstations, the actual work our wrists and fingers have been doing has risen dramatically over this quarantine period.

How can we take care of our wrists better to avoid pain?

1. Switch hands from time to time.

2. Limit texting to short messages. For a longer message, use the voice-to-text function on your phone. Or better yet, call the person you need to communicate to!

3. Use a swipe feature on your keyboard. Sliding letters is less stressful on the musculature of the fingers.

4. Take a break. Put down your phone before your hand or elbow starts to hurt.

5. Stretch your fingers, wrist and forearms.

6. Try using a cellphone stand. It’s currently available in online marketplaces.

Most importantly, know when to get professional help. If you experience chronic pain, numbness, tightness, cramping and stiffness, maybe it’s time you set an appointment with a medical professional.

Stay healthy. Eat well. Keep moving!