{"id":11539,"date":"2022-11-17T20:37:20","date_gmt":"2022-11-17T20:37:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/?p=11539"},"modified":"2022-12-08T15:31:58","modified_gmt":"2022-12-08T15:31:58","slug":"personal-wellbeing-protecting-your-wrists-in-veterinary-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/personal-wellbeing\/protecting-your-wrists-in-veterinary-practice\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting Your Wrists in Veterinary Practice"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aristotle stated, \u201cThe hand is the tool of tools,\u201d and a veterinary nurse\u2019s hands are precious tools within the veterinary practice. From gripping instruments to restraining patients and from performing venipuncture to typing medical records, our hands undergo continuous stress. Overuse injuries of the hands and wrists can contribute to chronic discomfort, which can impact your life both in and out of the hospital. However, simple modifications to daily tasks as well as intentional stretching and strengthening movements may serve as an effective way to prevent injury.<\/p>\n

Benefits of Intentional Movement<\/div>
The \u201cMovement Is Medicine\u201d series<\/a> will focus on common areas of discomfort for veterinary nurses in the workplace. Although this series will primarily discuss how intentional movement can protect your body on the job, it\u2019s important to note that physical activity can also boost mood, elevate confidence, improve focus, increase energy, reduce stress, and improve quality of life.1<\/sup><\/p>\n

Adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity plus 2 days of strength training each week.2<\/sup> This might feel like an inconvenience\u2014the last thing on your mind after a long shift\u2014but think of it as an exercise prescription. You would want your clients to comply with prescribed recommendations, so aim to hold yourself accountable for 30- to 45-minute sessions 5\u00a0times each week. The key to adding fitness to your routine is to discover a modality of movement that you enjoy. <\/div><\/div>\n

Why Do My Wrists Hurt?<\/h2>\n

Wrist and hand pain can result from various sources, including acute sprains, soft tissue cysts, tendonitis, nerve compression, and fracture. However, it\u2019s possible that pain could be a result of overuse or awkward postures, which are common in the veterinary practice. The AVMA veterinary ergonomic guidelines include extended periods of wrist angles over 30\u00b0 as a risk factor for musculoskeletal injury.3<\/sup> Veterinary nursing tasks that can result in awkward positioning of the wrists and hands include dental prophylaxis, grooming, animal handling, cleaning, suturing, and computer work, among many others. Unfortunately, similar prolonged postures have been linked with twice the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, as they contribute to increased pressure on the median nerve.4<\/sup> Sometimes referred to as \u201cBlackberry thumb,\u201d de Quervain\u2019s tenosynovitis is a hand condition characterized by pain and swelling near the base of the thumb.5<\/sup> It was long believed this syndrome was caused by repeated strain on the wrist or thumbs, such as using one\u2019s phone, as the name suggests. Duties performed by veterinary nurses may put similar strain on the tendons of the thumb. While experts now suggest that there is no direct relationship between occupational factors and de\u00a0Quervain\u2019s syndrome, it is possible that repetitive motions could exacerbate symptoms.6<\/sup> <\/span><\/p>\n