What is Hand Fatigue?

Hand fatigue is best described as a person's inability to generate the desired amount of force necessary to perform a task with his or her hands. There are numerous reasons that the fatigue occurs. In many cases, it is because of a buildup of lactic acid in the muscle. A buildup of lactic acid in the muscles causes blood circulation in the hand to decrease. As blood decreases, so does oxygen.

Individuals who use their hands continually because of a hobby or profession are at an increased risk of experiencing fatigue. For example, guitar players, writers, computer programmers, and artists are all at risk of developing fatigue in their hands. A person who is exposed to continual vibrations at work can also suffer from fatigue and pain. High vibration tools can damage nerves and blood vessels in the fingers and cause discomfort.

Fatigue can also occur because a person has lost the energy or motivation needed to complete a task. There are many benefits to reducing and eliminating hand fatigue. If a person can reduce fatigue, he or she can increase their productivity.

There is a link between hand fatigue and repetitive strain injuries. Repetitive strain injuries are quite common among people who use their hands in a repetitive fashion for a prolonged period. To avoid repetitive strain injuries a person should ensure they are using the correct posture and not placing their hands in an awkward position.

When a person starts to experience fatigue, he or she should stop working and allow the hands a chance to rest. Rest periods for the hands are necessary and helpful and can reduce hand fatigue. Frequent breaks reduce both fatigue and possible injury.

There are also a number of exercises and stretches that a person can employ to prevent or reduce hand fatigue. Exercises for this condition generally include wiggling, stretching, and relaxing the fingers and hands. Ergonomics also plays an important role in hand fatigue. In some cases, the hands and wrists are in an awkward position or a person is gripping their hands too tightly. Gripping too tightly can cause tension in the hands, which will lead to fatigue.

Individuals who suffer from hand fatigue should also consider consulting a doctor. A physician can determine if the fatigue is caused by an underlying medical condition. Doctors can also determine if a person is suffering from a repetitive strain injury such as carpal tunnel syndrome.