BERLIN (DPA) — Repetitive strain injury is a serious condition that causes pain in the hand and arm. Discomfort in the arm is a warning signal that a problem is developing but correct posture and the right hardware can prevent the condition from happening.

Office employees who work a lot with computers often develop repetitive strain injury in their arm from using a mouse. There are several models of ergonomic computer mice on the market that can prevent the condition from occurring. Varying movements of the hand and arm can also help.

The first sign that repetitive strain has developed is a burning sensation in the hand and lower arm.

“The strain is caused by forceful exertion. Anyone who works with a computer mouse will make many, small repetitive movements but their arm muscle is built for a greater degree of motion,’’ explains Dietrich Bornemann, a consultant orthopaedic doctor.

Ergonomic designer Ahmet Cakir has described the condition as an epidemic.

“We not only use computers at work but also at home where we carry out identical arm movements. That puts a big strain on our hands and arms,’’ says Cakir who is also a specialist at the health and safety institute, Ergonomic, in Berlin.

An ergonomic mouse on its own is not enough to prevent repetitive strain syndrome. “There’s no such thing as the perfect ergonomic mouse,’’ explains Oliver Christ, an industrial psychologist at the Technical University in Darmstadt. Because each hand is unique, no mouse can be designed to suit all needs. For anyone who works only occasionally with computers a dome shaped ergonomic mouse that slightly holds the fingers apart will suffice.

There are a range of ergonomic mice on the market in different sizes for both left and right-handed people. Try out a few to see which one feels the most comfortable. It is also possible to reduce strain by switching to a left or right-handed mouse. “The more varied the strain placed on the muscles, the better it is for the arm,’’ says Christ. That explains why the experts recommend using different input devices apart from a mouse.

“A hand must be twisted inwards to use a conventional computer mouse,’’ says Cakir. A good input device is the vertical mouse made by Anir and 3M. A vertical mouse is held in the hand in a similar way to a joystick. A rollerball mouse is also useful. “The roller mouse is placed in front of the keyboard and is symmetrical,’’ says Cakir.