If you are in a job that requires you to use the keyboard for long, it is possible that you may feel a nagging or sharp pain or discomfort at some or the other time. You may think it’s something you can take care of later, but ignoring it now can lead to disastrous health consequences.
Did you know that chronic wrist pain can actually cause serious damage and lead to a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome? Not only can it make it difficult to write or type, in severe cases it can also lead to more permanent disability.
4 Office Exercises To Do At Your Work Desk
Try these exercises right in your office space, from the privacy of your desk, to keep your wrist in good shape.
Exercise 1
- Roll up a towel and place it on the edge of the table. Keep your forearm on the towel in such a way that your hand lies limp and the palm faces down.
- Slowly start moving your hand upwards, till you feel a stretch. Hold it in place for some time.
- Get back to the original position. Now do the same steps again by placing your elbow sideways and keeping your palm facing upwards.
Exercise 2
- Place your hand on the rolled up towel on the table, with your thumb facing outwards.
- Keep your hand straight, and move only the wrist area in an up and down motion.
- Keep doing this till you feel the stretch in your wrist.
Exercise 3
- Hold your hand in an open way, with the fingers stretched upwards and your palm facing out.
- Bend your fingers inward to close the palm and make something like a tight hooked fist. Once done, return to the original position. Next, make a tight full fist and return to the original position again.
- Keep doing this with the first wrist till you feel a stretch. Once done, do it with the other wrist too.
Exercise 4
- Hold out your hand in such a way that your palm faces outwards. Keep the fingers together, but make sure your thumb is placed a little to the side.
- Stretch the thumb away from the fingers, then again inwards and across the palm. The moment you feel a stretch, remove the thumb back to the starting position.
- Do the same with the other hand.
Make sure to take regular breaks between your work, especially when you are typing or writing for long hours at a stretch. If you keep feeling the pain or discomfort, book an appointment with a physiotherapist and find out about more exercises that can help you more.
