*** Additional advice from our members ***
Answer:
Hi Doug,
I have always preferred the Track Ball mice over the standard mice mainly due to the fact to eliminate most all the wrist and arm movement and also to conserve space on my desktop.
I have tried just about all the trackballs on the market and always come back to the "Kensington Expert Mouse" model 64325 as it works the best for me. It is probably the most expensive in the industry.
I combine this trackball with a mouse pad by "Fellows" that has a gel wrist pad built in that I found at the local Wal-Mart.
As an example my wife uses a computer at work and complained to me that her wrist was really hurting and she also spoke with her brother a local Orthopedic Surgeon and he was going to set her us with some sort of medical wrist and arm support device and then I suggested that we try one of these Kensington Trackballs and the problem she was experiencing went away quickly and has not returned.
Hope this helps a bit?
Submitted by: John of Sheridan, Wyoming
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Doug,
There is a company called SafeComputing that specializes in selling ergonomic computer equipment, furniture & supplies. It was founded by a man who developed carpal tunnel & had to search for equipment that would let him continue his work. They have a "Resources" page that provides several dozen links to government, educational, & industry information websites. Here is the link: http://www.safecomputing.com/index.htm. I hope you find this Helpful.
Submitted by: David L.
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I have had quite a few staff complaining of carpal tunnel pain and have tried many products on the market. One item that seems to relieve CPS is the RollerMouse by Contour Design. It uses a circular rod to control mouse travel. Once you get used to the change the user is extremely happy with the product. Here is their website, http://www.contourdesign.com/rollermouse/
Submitted by: Roy C.
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Subject: Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This is one of my pet peeves. The cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is an improper position of the forearms and wrists.
When I took typing classes, we were taught the proper way: back straight, feet flat on the floor, extended slightly. The arms had to be strictly horizontal, with the hands no higher than wrist height.
The problem today is that computer users have never been taught the proper way to prevent wrist problems. Todays user sits down at his/her keyboard, quite often on a table or desk which is too high. This angles the hands up from the wrists, in an awkward position, putting a strain on the wrist area, eventually resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome.
I have been typing and typesetting since I was 11 years old, putting in many thousand hours at the keyboard. I have a long list of clients for whom I typeset books, monthly newsletters and do graphics and technical illustrations, working for hours every day on my Mac Powerbook or my G4, which are both at the proper height.
My doctors have checked me for carpal tunnel syndrome, and there is not a trace.
Please spread the word. This method of prevention comes as a great surprise to many people who just sit down and type in all sorts of weird positions, then wonder why they have to wear braces on their wrists.
Submitted by: Foxy E.
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When I first got a computer, about five years ago, I got carpel tunnel syndrome in short order. Several things have eliminated this problem.
1) I got a "roller ball" mouse from Logitech
2) I switch hands occasionally. I don't know if you can do this, but I am
more or less left-handed. I was able, with a little work, to switch hands
quite successfully.
3) I got a chair with arms which matched the height of the keyboard shelf.
Hope these suggestions are helpful!
Submitted by: Dan P.
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I had wrist pains ,I was pretty sure it was from my mouse,I do a lot of EBAY BIZ so someone in one of yahoo groups suggested using a track ball mouse.I went to BEST BUY and bought one,$17.00 approximately.This took a few days to get used to,it also had several other useful features.This was a godsend.no more pains and very easy to work,The only draw back was the learning curve.I hope this helps Best wishes Bill
Submitted by: Bill S.
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I have noticed over the years that people either have not been taught how to hold their hands above their keyboards or they have become lazy through extended use of keyboards. I have been typing on either a typewriter or a keyboard for about 50 years, and I have never had even a hint of carpal tunnel. I was taught that you hold your wrists up, over the keyboard, not rest them on the keyboard or on a so-called carpal tunnel saver which sits at the bottom of the keyboard and which people use to rest their wrists while typing. Holding up the wrists inherently allows the hands to "hover" above the keyboard and not cause the typist (keyboardist) to have to reach for the keys above "home row" (ASDFGHJKL;). I believe resting your wrist is a major cause of carpal tunnel because the hand/wrist does not move when typing is done; it just sits and causes the wrist to be used in an unnatural way. I'm not a doctor, but this has been my observation over the years.
Submitted by: Marti E. of Portland, OR, USA
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Some basic advice to avoid ergo problems when using a computer:
First, avoid laptops whenever possible. Here's why: when working at a computer, the monitor should be eye level and the keyboard should be no higher than your elbows. This is simply impossible to achieve at a laptop unless you prop up the laptop (so it's at eye level) up and plug in a separate keyboard.
Many people work at desks that were not designed for computer use.
Again, the keyboard should be no higher than the elbows. Otherwise, to reach the keyboard you have to cramp your wrists, and this is when the problems begin. You should invest in a computer desk or table with a keyboard tray. If this is not possible, buy a chair that's adjustable and can be raised high enough to allow the keyboard to be sufficiently low (again, no higher than the elbows, so that the wrists can be relaxed). Taking frequent breaks, rolling the wrists to relax them, squeezing a rubber ball to exercise the hands -- these can all help.
Newer LCD screens are adjustable so they can be raised to eye level. If you don't have such a screen, prop the monitor up with books.
When working at your computer make sure you are able to keep you torso up and back comfortably. Make sure the chest is not collapsed (which results in slouching). Think of keeping your shoulders relaxed (don't force them back) and wide. Thinking "up" from the top of your head can also be helpful.
The Alexander Technique, which helps people recognize and address habitual poor use of their bodies, can be a great help in avoiding or addressing carpal tunnel syndrome and other problems resulting from poor ergonomics. You can probably find a teacher in your community by doing some online research.
Submitted by: Peter L.
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Any suffering from carpal tunnel problems in their wrists might get relief by taking B-6 Vitamins on a regular basis. It has helped some
people that I know.
Submitted by: Louise K.A.
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Hi Doug,
My aerobics instructor stopped a lesson one day and told us to all stand at arms length, sideways to the closest wall. She then instructed us to place one hand flat on the wall at shoulder height, and push away from the wall with the middle finger only, always staying in contact with the surface and holding this position for about 30 seconds at a time. Then turn around and repeat on the other side. Apparently this exercises a muscle that is rarely flexed in the wrist. It is difficult to do and a little painful but I have been using computers now for over 20 years and have never had carpal tunnel syndrome.
She told us this exercise had saved her from having surgery.
Try it, what have you go to lose!!
Submitted by: Cindy C.
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One of the most common problems is that people bend their wrists when typing. As I learned years ago in typing class, to avoid wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, you need to posture your hand so that the wrists are level. Imagine having a quarter on the back of your wrist and type so that the quarter doesn't move.
Another help is to use a trackball instead of a mouse so your hand rests on the trackball with a straight wrist.
Another suggestion ref ergonomics is to place your computer screen slightly below eye level to avoid neck strain. Take your monitor off the top of the computer and put it flat on the desk. Put the monitor in front of you rather than off to the side to avoid neck strain.
Situate your chair to have your knees slightly below your hip level and keep your knees flat on the floor.
These will definitely help!
Submitted by: Mary S.
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Doug JP,
This would have to be one of the biggest posers I've read in CNET.
With occupational health and safety regulations in our workplaces, health care issues in our governments, along with employer liabilities, it is this exact problem that gets swept under the carpet. Exactly what is correct here?
I myself, have an ergonomic chair, a keyboard wrist pad etc at work, but not at home, double standards eh? I use a mouse extensively at work, and I certainly get a sore arm and wrist. At home, I use the PC everynight, I hardly use the mouse as I mostly use keyboard short cuts with different programs here, than at work.
There are a lot of products out there claiming to be the bees knees in prevention or cure, good for some if they actually work.
I suggest you contact a professional for help on an individual basis, one's personal comfort need not be the same as another.
This topic should'nt be taken lightly, it's a serious matter in a lot workplaces, and homes too.
Being a medical condition, I'd take medical advise.
I'm in Melbourne, Australia, below is a link from the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Computer_related_injuries?OpenDocument
Submitted by: Jim T.
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Answer:
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is caused by hypothyroidism. Many people are suffering from hypothyroidism due to the significant amount of soy in our processed food products. Soy interferes with the peripheral thyroid hormone conversion of T4 to active T3. Current diagnosis and treatment guidelines in the medical field does not accurately detect this conversion difficulty which so many people suffer from.
How do I know this? I was diagnosed with a thyroid problem in 1969. In late 1997 I quit taking my thyroid hormone tablets. Within a couple of weeks I began to develop carpal tunnel (I could barely steer my car at times). Ironically, I discovered by accident that Jasmine Tea relieves even the worst pain! I also began suffering from what is called Fibromyalgia (also caused by hypothyroidism).
Of course, I went back on thyroid hormone replacement and all symptoms disappeared. I should mention that I'm a computer technician (26 years) and have worked for fortune 500 companies for the past twelve years. Jasmine tea not only worked for me, it has also worked for many employees I've recommended it to who were suffering from carpal tunnel symptoms.
It will probably take medical science another thirty five years to realize the flaws in the diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism (it was thirty five years ago when medical science adopted new diagnosis and treatment guidelines for hypothyroidism that have failed us). I've invested thousands of hours doing medical research. Hypothyroidism is the underlying cause of hundreds of medical conditions. Just to mention a few: Diabetes type II, infertility, sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, high cholesterol, glaucoma, obesity, depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. I have a friend who was suffering severely with Multiple Sclerosis. When I told him about soy, he removed it from his diet and he has improved tremendously during the past year!
But don't take my word for it. Do your own research!
Cindy W.
Submitted by: Cindy W.
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Answer:
Ergonomics for computers have been studied in Australia and there is a standard that is adhered to by most office situations and is put out by the Work Cover Authority of NSW.
You can view their standards at: http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/8402C9C7-517D-4D11-8770-344D64DD8B33/0/guide_call_centres_589.pdf
Also you have to remember you are looking directly at a light source for an extended period and you should have a break every hour for ten minutes.
Your head height is critical as well. It should be in a position so that your eyes are level with the top of the display and at least two feet from the screen.This can be achieved by using a gas lift chair, or lowering the display.
The body should be erect and the back straight with the forearms at rightangles to the upper arms so that the fingers can touch the keyboard. The keyboard itself may have to be lowered or raised to the right position.
If you do not have the correct position then you will notice an ache in the neck or shoulders and as this progresses you will end up with a curved spine and very sore wrists.
Submitted by: Garry B.
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Hi my name is Rich and I work at a computer Help Desk so I am constantly on the computer. I have Carpral Tunnel Syndrome in both hands. I have found great products that offer relief at www.painreliever.com they carry the same products used in therapy.
Submitted by: Harris G.
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I highly recommend three essential pieces of equipment that has helped me avoid wrist pain. The first is a pen pad. I don't use a mouse, except for mouse-essential applications. While mousing, your fingers are extended, you have to make repetitive finger motions in that position, and often people support the weight of their whole arm on the wrist. With a pen, you can hold your hand more naturally closed, clicking is done with your thumb or just setting the pen down on the tablet, and the whole side of your hand rests on the table instead of the inside of your wrist. A good pen pad maker is Wacom.
The second item is a mouse tray that I can adjust to bring the mouse closer to me so my arm doesn't get overextended. If you have to reach for your mouse, it's likely throwing your back out of alignment and causing undue stress all over your body. In fact, what I really want is something I've seen my father, the architect, use at his office, an adjustable armrest that supports your arm while you're mousing. I couldn't find it in the states.
The third item is a little wristband to keep my wrist warm. I find that on cold nights, the part of my wrist that is in constant contact with the pen pad gets cold, and I start to feel achy. This way I keep my wrist insulated from that, and problem solved.
Submitted by: Faye K.
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This particular site offers more information and advise than most, http://eeshop.unl.edu/rsi.html , though there is a huge amount of information out there on repetitive stress injuries or syndromes, because so many people are being afflicted. Actually, though, the best advice that covers pretty much all the angles is "Do everything in moderation" and think of pain as an indicator that something needs to be changed. When you select equipment and furniture for your office or home office, then consider carefully what is a normal position for your body. Think of each part of your body, not just "dem bones" and remember that they are all connected. If you repeatedly stress or injure any one part of your anatomy, all the connected parts will suffer.
Hope this helps.
Submitted by: Karena A.
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Microsoft used to have a site just for issues like Carpal Tunnel, and other healthy computing for users. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/hcg/hcg_view.mspx
But here is a site that has a software program with tips, monitor and exercises for relieving stress from daily computer use.
http://www.publicspace.net/ergonomix/
Submitted by: E Ordonez
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Answer:
I've typed at a PC for the last 20 years, and I've dealt with tendonitis, shoulder muscles that became as hard as iron and painful, and carpal-tunnel symptoms.
About 10 years ago, I switched to a trackball mouse (constant clicking with the index finger stresses a whole chain of muscle and tendon groups--the thumb click is far less stressful), and I use every shortcut key combination I can think of to stay away from the mouse. The result--no more iron shoulders, no more tendonitis, no career-ending carpal tunnel symptoms.
Be prepared for a week or so of muscle relearning, but after that you will never go back to mouse pain.
Submitted by: Roger K.
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Dear Doug,
Depending on what type of computer you have, notebook vs. modem will more or less dictate what you need to do to help prevent the types of problems you are talking about.
With a notebook, I usually use (can't remember the exact name of it) but it keeps the notebook off the desk in the back, as a notebook underneath can get extremely hot if you don't, and I don't use the hot keys either, that way my hands get a break by using the mouse.
The most important thing you can do, and after working on computers for 35 years or so YIKES) is to have a well padded chair, with arm rests (chair and arm rests should be made of soft material, not leather) and have it at the correct height for your legs and desk!
I have had tendon transfers in my right hand, so I know all about having carpel tunnel, fibro, etc., and I always remind myself to make sure to sit straight. Just pretend like there are 2 pieces of wood behind your back and keep your shoulders back.
The most important thing however, is give yourself a time out every 20 minutes or so. Get up, walk around or do warm ups for exercise, particular stretching. If you can find an ergonomic keyboard and it works for you, that's great, however I've found with my notebook, I can just rest the back part of my palm on the board, and just type, thereby keeping them in align with my arm.
I don't like the ones that are split and tilted, and call themselves correct ergonomically.
Always remember, whether notebook or modem, most can be tilted or lifted to your height and finger and/or palm width.
However getting up and stretching for 10 minutes, well that is about the best thing you can do. And don't just start running in place. As we get older our tendons have a tendency to start to shorten, so use those ten minutes to really give wrists, hands, legs and feet a good stretch. Use a timer if you have to so that you don't forget to get off the computer and stretch and walk around!!! Also, if you have the use of a spa, getting into that after working on a computer is great, just let the jets of water relax tense muscles.
So basically it boils down to being smart about your equipment, ie., desk and chair, and get a keyboard that fits you, not the other way round or you trying to make a small computer board work. Even notebooks, if the keyboard is too small, get a larger one, and plug it in and use it instead of the small keyboards that come with many notebooks. I have a 17 inch screen on my notebook, but because of what I do, I had to have a computer that could store tons of information.
Just use common sense about your equipment and you should be fine.
Happy Computing,
Submitted by: Nanette
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Answer:
Having had carpal tunnel syndrome from a factory job I try to make my home computer as comfortable as possible. the biggest thing I have to watch is how much time I spend on it. I also have a bad back. Other then that we have a good office chair at our computer. It's not just on any desk it was made by a cabinet maker to be the precise height it's supposed to be. I have a stool under the desk to put my feet on to take pressure off of my back. I also have a gel pad on my mouse pad and a gel pad at the key board. I also remember to stretch, quite often. If you don't stretch and move your joints they will lock up. For instance it hurts my wrist to type this, so half way through I have to move my wrists in circles so they stay loose. I won't win any typing awards by my pain is less and that's more important. After all this is my home computer, not my job. Try to limit your time on your home CPU, especially if you're on one all day.
Submitted by: Laurie B.
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I'm sorry, but to even read the term "computer-related injury" is laughable. I am a disabled firefighter, I work a desk job after taking a 2x4 piece of lumber through my abdomen when the floor of a building we were in collapsed. People crying about "Carpel Tunnel Syndrome", and even attempting to collect disability income from it have NO IDEA what real pain is. I spent the better part of two years in rehab, and now I have the "luxury" of sitting in front of a computer form the rest of my working career, and being subjected to posibly "computer-related injury"!!
"Ergo problems"?? We should all be so lucky, Doug.
Submitted by: David G.
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you can buy mouse mats with built in wrist support,and a support which is built in to the keyboard, I use both and as i have arthritis in my hands it does stop any wrist strain. Most shops sell these,hope this is of some help
Submitted by: Rita
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Ergonomics and posture, etc., for the PC user; The HP (Hewlitt-Packard) website offers excellent, specific answers, plus they recently had an Ergonomics Class (6sessions) that covered the entire field, with emphasis on setting your own environment up to suit your own needs. They will probably offer the course again, but their Ergonomics information is complete, with links. I took it, and was greatly surprised by the NEWEST and LATEST, taught by an expert instructor who is also a fitness instructor. Check it out.
Submitted by: ca Harts
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One of the 'easiest' solutions for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, is taking Vitamin B-6.
100 mg daily. Also taking MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a good anti-Arthritis Herbal.
Submitted by: Lynn C. of Madison AL
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how about an the optical mouse glove, it's was is design is basically the same principal as rubbing your for -finger on your thumb. think about what I am saying,if you put your hand on the mouse which is on the pad - move it abound - the pointer points - left click/right click blah blah blah.....
forfinger left click finger right click this is similar the to sign language, oh i also have the basic design for this and the mirror imge
keyboard plus htis one is grreat my best " the knee board keyboard "
this one drives instructors batty.
Submitted by: texas speck
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Dear sirs,
I have many many problems with my back. I am a computer technician during the day and during the evening I spend many hours in front of my computer. I invested in a good screen, which I have learned is more important than the computer itself. I have a good chair which is not overly padded. The office chair has a straight back and the elevation can easily be changed. I have set it that my eyes are at the bottom third of the screen and my elbows are supported on the arm rest when I use the keyboard. The mouse is not on the desk, It is on a small table that I can work it with my for arm slightly down and still have minimal support from the arm rest of my chair. I have multifocal glasses. If you need reading glasses it is advisable to make up a set of glasses especially for computer use. I spend about forty minutes a day on my bicycle. By the way this year I am turning 60. Yaakov Hillel Kibbutz Lavi Israel 15267
Submitted by: . Yaakov H. of Kibbutz Lavi Israel
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Easy one this time.
1. Sit in an upright position facing the monitor
2. Adjust the height of your chair so that your arms are parallel to the keyboard so the hands are straight and not on a upward angle, where you could cause carpel tunnel
3. Adjust your monitor so than you look straight ahead, or down (never up as you could pinch a critical nerve in the neck)
4. Go to your local drug store and purchase a Handeze therapeutic support glove. Although I don't have carpel tunnel, I use it to stop chaffing of the wrist when the hands move along the hand rest just below the keyboard.
Sincerely,
Submitted by: George L. of Sarasota, FL
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Corpal Tunnel has been with me since before computers!
I purchased a full computer desk, an executive armed chair with pillow feature and lumbar support. These two items have been a lifesaver! Wasn't cheap, but it beats the kitchen table. The monitor is at the proper height and angle:no bending neck up or down. The chair is height adjustable:no leg strain, the arms on the chair help relieve the excess movement of your arms and wrists, the keyboard pull out is just the right height. In addition to it all, I have installed a circular florescent light on the desk, with a moveable arm, the direct light really helps with reduction of eye strain.
Submitted by: Paula W. of Andersonville, TN
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Dear Sers and Madams:
The ergonomics of our computer work stations are based on the desk which was the last thing we used before computers came about. I still do not know why the witting desk became a flap surface except to keep the pencils and pens from rolling off. Early writing desks had a tilted surface to match itself to human form and was a much better design ergonomically.
When the computer started in uses it was designed to work on the desk because that is what we had. I have been working on new work station designs and from my education in Human Biomechanics know that a flat surface is the last place a keyboard and mouse should be used. There have been many attempts to change the work position but until the companies are ready to except a new concept everything is a fix if it works with a desk . N o real equipment that has come to market can change the Repetitive Work Injury.
Working on a computer does not require a flat surface but change is hard to come by. If a study were made and insurance companies found that there exposure became much less to workman's comp injuries, then and only then will the design of a work station change. I would think a company like CNET who's very existence is related to computers would fund such a study. CNET should help come up with a human form design to combat all the ergonomic shortcoming we all face while working on a computer.
I am Doctor Stewart R and hold US patents on devices which help with human form. I would be happy to share my IDEAS with CNET and together we could show the industry in what postural position a human could work all day with more productivity. A side efect to this would be with less square footage per employee. I put this challenge to CNET as an open invitation to answer the question asked.
The important thing to keep in mind is everything up to now is only a fix to working at a desk which is the last place the keyboard and mouse should be set.
Submitted by: Dr. Stewart A R of Panther Valley, Holmdel, NJ
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One thing for sure is to change the style of mouse you use. I have tried different ones and find the Roller Ball style mouse, (my particular one is a Logitech rollerball), but I know there are many others on the market. It stays stationary for your wrist, and all you need to do is move the ball, and click the side buttons. Since I have chronic crippling arthritis, and started using this style mouse, my carpal tunnel pain has diminished remarkably. Hope this helps.
Submitted by: zezee3
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While this may not be a good solution for everyone, I use a Windows Tablet PC. While at home, it generally sits in the dock with a full-sized mouse & keyboard. While out and about, on the commuter train in the morning or even while sitting on the sofa at home: its a tablet, with no mouse & keyboard in sight to strain my wrist. The most direct way of avoiding carpal tunnel syndrome is to avoid repetitive motions, i.e., avoid typing and mousing as much as possible. In future years, as voice recognition becomes a viable primary human interface, repetitive stress problems from computers should decrease.
Submitted by: Tom H.
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