$Unique_ID{BRK01370}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Plagued With a Condition Called "Computeritis"}
$Subject{computeritis strains ill defined symptoms symptom forearms repetitive
strain injuries tennis elbow radial carpal tunnel syndromes trigger finger
thumb tendon edema computers keyboard arm arms joint joints elbows syndrome
fingers hand hands}
$Volume{N-17,N-18}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Plagued With a Condition Called "Computeritis"


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QUESTION:  Please don't think that this is a trick question, but I assure you
that I am plagued with a condition my physician called "computeritis".  It is
a terrible, aching pain located in both my forearms, that only stops when I
finally get home from work at night.  I think my doctor named it, because I
work at a computer all day.  Is there anything you might tell me about this
condition, including how to get rid of it?

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ANSWER:  No I don't think this is a frivolous question, but unless your doctor
goes by the name of J. Pasternack, who first coined the name "computeritis" in
an article by that name in the Los Angeles Times Magazine in March of 1989, he
is not the first to call this condition by that name.  Actually it is one of a
group of conditions now known as "repetitive strain injuries" which include
"Tennis Elbow" both "Radial" and "Carpal Tunnel Syndromes" and "Trigger Finger
or Thumb".  They all stem from situations where an injury occurs due to
overuse of a tendon unit, causing an inflammatory reaction, followed by pain
and swelling (edema).  When this occurs in the arms of people who work at
computers, the name becomes self evident.  While anti-inflammatory medications
may offer some relief, only rest or elimination of the task can affect a cure.
Carefully reviewing your job site may provide other solutions, such as
changing the position of your keyboard, which holds the promise of a more
permanent cure.  And that is much better than having to change occupations.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.