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Peripherals: Starting to get pain in wrists and elbows typing/using comp

by eth995 - 9/29/08 9:27 AM
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Post 1 of 18

Starting to get pain in wrists and elbows typing/using comp

by eth995 - 9/29/08 9:27 AM

I have been experiencing some pain in my elbows and wrists from using a mouse and typing. About four months ago I started a new job at a desk. Been thinking that part of the problem is that I'm not used to sitting and typing this much. I recently bought an ergonomic keyboard with low-profile keys, such as the keys on a laptop. This has definitely helped a little bit, but all the clicking and scrolling the mouse still bothers wrist and elbow

what I'm thinking would help me is an ergonomic keyboard with low-profile keys and a touchpad mouse built-in. I have spent countless hours scouring the Internet for such a product, but with no luck.

Any ideas or recommendations would be more than appreciated.

Post 2 of 18

I will be a poor substitute for all the research done

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 9/30/08 7:13 AM In reply to: Starting to get pain in wrists and elbows typing/using comp by eth995

But look at other mice (I like my newer Logitech v450 NANO) and if the scroll vibration is bothersome look at the newer Logitech model such as Logitech MX Revolution and the VX Revolution is a cordless laser mouse which has a free-spinning scroll wheel.

Some like TRACK BALLS.

Post 3 of 18

Gel rests

by Willy - 9/30/08 6:45 PM In reply to: Starting to get pain in wrists and elbows typing/using comp by eth995

Sorry, to hear of your discomfort but its a common issue. I can suggest you look into the "gel rests" for mouse and kybd. use. They can be located that best suits you. I use one with a integrated gel pad within a mouse pad. It really helps and various similar products can be found. You maybe more prone to such as constant use will bring the discomfort, so beware. There is no real cure, it only gets worse.

tada -----Willy :)

Post 4 of 18

Pain

by BlackBox_NS - 10/3/08 11:58 AM In reply to: Gel rests by Willy

I've been at a computer now for 23 years. About 8 years ago, I started to feel the same symptoms you describe. It got worse, I started to lose feeling in some of my fingers by the end of the work day. I went to physical therapy. That helped for a while, but the numbness returned. I ended up having carpal tunnel release surgery on both hands. I haven't had a problem since. You need to get to a good physical therapist. He will give you exercises and stretching that you can do to get some relief. Ice also helps to reduce the pain. 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, 3 times a day!

Post 5 of 18

Oh surgery

by Willy - 10/4/08 1:22 PM In reply to: Pain by BlackBox_NS

I knew of the carpal tunnel surgery but find that a kick in the pants fix. It really doesn't fix anything but removes the possible cause AND some people still don't get 100% relief. of course it depends on the Dr. that does the task. Glad it worked for ya. -----Willy

Post 6 of 18

Try this mouse...

by pennoso - 10/3/08 8:22 PM In reply to: Starting to get pain in wrists and elbows typing/using comp by eth995

Hi eth995,
Sorry to hear about this problem you are having. I would recommend you try the ergonomic mouse 3M has. If you search in google for EM500GPL (L=large) or EM500GPS (S=small) you will find it (or go to 3M.com and find it under Products and Services (tab), Home and Leisure (link), Computer Accessories (link), Ergonomic Solutions link) and you will see the ergonomic mouse to the right of the screen). I work around 10 hours a day in the computer and I don't even notice it. Same story here, when I started to work with computers I had the same problems until I found this mouse (a friend recommendation). After looking for a better price here and there I bought it (around 5 years ago) and I never ever had a problem with my hands or shoulders again. I ended up buying another one. Now I have one at work and one in my house for my personal use. I have no complains about this mouse.
I hope this helps you.

Post 7 of 18

Yes!

by marikavs - 10/3/08 10:16 PM In reply to: Try this mouse... by pennoso

I second that opinion. I have a "Renaissance mouse," as the 3M Ergonomic mouse used to also be called, for each computer (works with the Mac too, and I don't need the extra software that comes with it) and a WOW-PEN Eco Optical Pen Mouse for traveling. It's a bit harder to use than the 3M, but it's also much smaller. Now that I no longer suffer from "mouse-elbow" (inflammation of the tendon(s) on the inside portion of the elbow - I think the Swedes coined the phrase) I'm so much happier. I don't know what to tell you about typing, though. I do very little typing on anything but my MacBook keyboard, and whenever I'm forced to use a "regular" keyboard I sure do feel it in my fingers and wrists.

Post 8 of 18

(forgot)

by marikavs - 10/3/08 10:25 PM In reply to: Yes! by marikavs

(No edit function?) Anyway, I forgot to say that I've found the gel-filled wrist rests very helpful, both for "mousing" and for typing.

Post 9 of 18

Ergonomic keyboard w/ low-profile keys and a touchpad mouse

by Pete - 10/3/08 11:28 PM In reply to: Starting to get pain in wrists and elbows typing/using comp by eth995

Check out the Logitec diNovo Edge Keyboard:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-967685-0403-diNovo-Edge/dp/B000J43HJ8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1223101365&sr=8-1

Has no number pad though but you can always buy those separately.

Post 10 of 18

Wrist Pain

by dseedorf - 10/4/08 4:04 AM In reply to: Starting to get pain in wrists and elbows typing/using comp by eth995

You need to start taking better care of your body ie your hands and neck, first how old our you? Second If you do not have any drug allergies start taking Motrin, and apply ice to the area that hurts. Make sure you take breaks from your keyboard, get up and move around and move your wrists.

If this pain does not go away in two weeks after taking the Motrin, see you Doctor you may be in the early stages of carpal tunnel.

Let me know ow it goes, and if you need any additonal information.

David

Post 11 of 18

Pain in wrist and elbows

by Paul Criger - 10/4/08 6:57 AM In reply to: Starting to get pain in wrists and elbows typing/using comp by eth995

A few years ago after a period of intense Excel work I developed similar symptoms along with numbness in my fingers. I went to the Dr and was told that I had early carpal-tunnel. I searched for an ergonomic mouse and found the 3M ergonomic mouse. It looks like a joystick on a flat base. You manipulate it with your arm by sliding it around (it's an optical pointing device)instead of your wrist (big muscles vs. small). It took about a week to get used to it. My symptoms disappeared in a few weeks. Now I hate to use a computer with a normal mouse.

Post 12 of 18

Pain from typing

by captbore - 10/4/08 12:34 PM In reply to: Starting to get pain in wrists and elbows typing/using comp by eth995

To correct the problem sit up strait do not slouch with a proper back rest chair. Allways set your key pad upon a riser of at least two inches or more, so you can bring your wrists together pointing strait ahead. Your forearms will rise up from your elbows towards the key board and your wrist will then bend down allowing your fingers to flex down ward and align with the keys as you need them. Chair hight is also important. Get all these factors proper and you will ease your pain and it will no longer become present.

Post 13 of 18

Switch mousing devices

by kevsmail - 10/4/08 2:40 PM In reply to: Starting to get pain in wrists and elbows typing/using comp by eth995

You might also try switching from a mouse to a trackball.

I suffered carpal tunnel symptoms about 10 years ago, switched to a Kensington Orbit trackball, and haven't had any problems since. This will prevent you from having to hold your elbow/arm elevated and also reduce repetitive wrist movements, since it's basically only your fingers moving. I use a computer all day at work and spend a considerable time gaming at home as well, approximate total of 9-10 hrs a day! I've bought 4 of the Orbits over the years, since I have one for my home desktop and also leave another in my laptop bag for travel.

There are a variety of them from Logitech and Kensington available for pretty reasonable prices (since most people favor mice), so you should look around. The Logitech Trackman Marble has a pretty nice shape and 4 buttons, but I prefered the lower height profile of the Kensington Orbit Optical. My GF uses a Logitech Cordless Trackman Wheel, which uses your thumb instead of fingers to move the ball, and loves it so much she got a matching one for work. I found my thumb got tired quickly with that one and also that my fingers were better with delicate precision movements.

Post 14 of 18

Ergonomic peripherals

by Zouch - 10/4/08 3:07 PM In reply to: Starting to get pain in wrists and elbows typing/using comp by eth995

One suggestion not mentioned yet, IBM have a whole range of Keyboards, mice, etc. for people with a variety of disabilities, a number of which are recommended for temporary ailments such as RSI. Might be worth looking into.

Post 15 of 18

I also have this problem....

by geemayb - 10/5/08 8:09 AM In reply to: Ergonomic peripherals by Zouch

My elbow and wrist hurt and my last two fingers (ring finger and pinky) were numb and tingly all the time. I finally went to the doctor who sent me for a nerve conduction test and they said I damaged my ulnar nerve (funny bone) which runs from your shoulder to your elbow to your hand. They told me to get an elbow support (the same that athletes wear) and wear it faithfully for around 6 months and it should go away. The support will cushion your elbow thus protecting the ulnar nerve. I'm sure using the ergonomic keyboard and mouse would'nt hurt but I'd go to the doctor ASAP before it gets worse which could lead to surgery or therapy or both.

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