wrist pains

[SFI]

i get that now when using the keyboard and mouse, or i get irratated. i try stretching my wrists, and while it does help releive some pain, it comes back over and over again. it snot a problem now, but i don't want it to further develop. are there any products that you guys have tried that truly help in this situation? thanks

 

[defcom_1]

check your seating, make sure that your elbows are level with your wrists as you type, make sure that your hands are not in uncomfortable positions. You might want to look into getting a split keyboard of some sort as well.

*edit*
when I say that your elbows must be level with your wrists, it is best to ensure that they are properly supported (ie armrests at appropriate height) and that your arms make ~ 90deg angle at your elbows when you sit upright.

Finally, make sure you're wrists are not bent , it's best to have a straight linefrim your middle finger all the way to your elbow....

 

[Roman79]

Those gell pads that go under your wrists (for keyboard and mouse) did the trick for me. You can get them at any office supply store and most computer stores.

 

[Cwllr]

Just having proper positioning of the keyboard and mouse is important. I found I was slouching and reaching horribly in my chair at college, so eventually I just got a slide out tray to attach to the desk which can adjust to different levels. Check google to see all the different sites out there that talk about having an ergonomic deskspace. Taking breaks is important too.

 

[SFI]

thanks a lot guys, i leveled myself with the keyboard we'll see if this does the trick

 

[Mojo]

I had those a while back, I just put my cahir up a tiny bit and got a gel pad. Solved my problem, I wouldn't say my arm is right at 90 degrees, probably more like 95-100 or so.

 

[SkaarjMaster]

Also, increase the sensitivity of your mouse, so you don't have to move it as far.

 

[rundreve]

taking breaks frequently during long sessions at the comp would help too.

 

[Lethal]

I've been living with carpal tunnel syndrome for years, unfortunately.

The split keyboards do seem to help by putting your hands at a more natural angle, tho it can take a bit of getting used to and you might make more typos at first. Laptops tend to have cramped little keyboards. If you use a laptop much, try plugging in a full-sized keyboard when you can. When I used to travel for business I often found my hands hurting from using the laptop keyboard.

Ergonomics and breaks, yes!

Two things I'd like to stress:

1) Don't pound your keyboard! Depress the keys only as much as needed to make them respond. Use as gentle a touch as you can get away with. Pounding does absolutely nothing except hurt your hands more.

2) Learn to use keyboard shortcuts as much as you can. Most people feel carpal tunnel more in the hand they use for mousing. You can reduce mouse usage considerably with keyboard shortcuts.

If you do have carpal tunnel syndrome, I recommend taking a vitamin B6 supplement. It acts as a natural dieuretic to prevent fluid buildup which can lead to pressure and irritation within the carpal tunnel itself. But I'm not a doctor so take that at your own risk.

 

[BooyaAchieved]

Originally posted by SkaarjMaster
Also, increase the sensitivity of your mouse, so you don't have to move it as far.

LOL for some reason that seems like something a fat person would do to minimize movement (no offense to those that are fat). Anyways, you could get some Bengay or Aleve, but the gel pads work well too.

 

[BBnet3000]

i wouldnt recommend a wrist rest for the mouse, cut off circulation

for keyboard its good though

 

[nst6563]

If you don't want to do any of that "good computer posture" crap or spend money on gel pads (hey...you gellin'?) you could always try to immobilize your wrists at night by using a brace and some ACE wrap (both can usually be found at Walgreens or and sports store). This is of course more effective if you do follow good posture practices.

Sounds like you've got early oncomings of carpal tunnel. I had cubital tunnel (in the elbow instead of the wrist - got it from going to the gym and lifting) and had to have surgurey (sp?) to get it corrected. My nerve was 80% destroyed and I had to have surgury to re-construct it and have a plastic sheath put on it for protection. At the time of the surgury, I had no feeling or strength (I couldn't even tie my own shoes or put a belt on...hell it was hard work to hold a fork) and it took most of a year to get the strength back but I still don't have all the feeling...

so take precautions now becuase the consequences suck later.

 

[defcom_1]

Originally posted by nst6563
If you don't want to do any of that "good computer posture" crap...

I fail to see why it's crap to have decent posture. It takes a little figuring out to get your workstation to be ergonomic and well suited to you, but I spend upwards of eight hours a day working here, so I figure it's a worthy investment of my time, and I don't have any pain, in my back, wrists etc. Too many people have ignored good posture and ergonomics, and are now suffering from carpel tunnel etc. I say we learn from that, and apply it, so that nobody else has to go though what you and others have.

 

[SFI]

all this talk of disease almost makes me wanna stop lifitng and using the computer but whatever i'll probably be bombarded with all of these things much later down the road, might as well enjoy now. i will buy a gel pad for the keyboard thanks

 

[BlindedByScience]

.....while interesting, this is General [H]ardware, folks.

B.B.S.