Have you heard of guerrilla arm? No, I’m not talking about the arm of an actual guerrilla. Rather, the term “guerrilla arm” is often used to describe a condition experienced by some touchscreen device users. It doesn’t happen with all touchscreen devices, but there are times when users may develop this condition. Therefore, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with guerrilla arm so that you can take the necessary precautions to prevent it.
What Is Guerrilla Arm?
Guerrilla arm refers to a physical condition experienced by touchscreen users from extended periods of device usage with little or no time to rest their arms. When controlling a computer with a keyboard and mouse, you can generally place your wrists on a table or slide-out tray. The table or tray acts as a supporting surface for your wrists, thereby reducing stress and pressure on your arms. Touchscreen devices are often controlled while the user holds them in his or her hand. As a result, there’s nowhere for the user to rest his or her wrists. Over time, this can lead to fatigue and soreness in the affected arm or arm — a condition that’s become commonly known as guerrilla arm.
When you develop guerrilla arm, you may discover that one or both your wrists feel sore. The pain typically becomes progressively the longer you use the device. This doesn’t mean that you have to stop using a touchscreen device, but you should take measures to protect yourself from the guerrilla arm.
How to Prevent Guerrilla Arm
There are ways to reduce your risk of developing guerrilla arm when using a touchscreen device, however. First, consider using your touchscreen device on a flat surface, such as a computer desk, instead of holding it in your hand. If it’s placed on a flat surface, you should be able to operate it while resting your wrists. Second, take breaks every so often to stretch and rest your wrists. Prolonged usage of any handheld device can cause wrist pain and discomfort. But if you take regular breaks, you shouldn’t experience guerrilla arm or its associated symptoms.
Perhaps the most important tip to prevent guerrilla arm is to use a high-quality touchscreen device. High-quality devices are manufactured with an emphasis on ergonomics. They feature specific design measurements to achieve an optimal level of comfort and minimal level of stress. You can use them for multiple consecutive hours without worrying about the effects of guerrilla arm.
