Repetitive Strain in Wrist

Daniel

Sounds like carpal tunnel syndrome. When I get it, I wear a wrist brace with a steel support bar in it (to keep the wrist straight) for a few days, until the pain goes away. I usually get it after very prolonged bouts of mouse clicking.

wrist brace.jpg

Rich O Brien

I get it in the elbow because of my shallow desk.

Off topic-

Blender uses the right button to commit an action because the philosophy is someone with a modeling based job is using left mouse for every other app interaction and this introduces strain. Hence the 'Blender is hard to get used to' comments.

Box

I'm with Pete on this, ergonomics is complex. The strain to your wrist comes from the position of shoulder, elbow and wrist. You need to get the three joints working together in a relaxed comfortable position. So seat height and screen position are essential components.

You want your head to be at the correct angle to the screen and the mouse. You should be able to sit comfortably with good posture and have your eyes fall naturally to the screen and your mouse arm fall to the mouse. The exact position varies for everyone but there is a right place for you. Generally, head straight, wrist straight, elbow 90deg, shoulder not up or down. Your elbow should be supported but only really a feather touch support.

I stand a lot of the time and have three levels to my desk so I can sit on a normal desk chair, up a bit on my stool or fully standing, keeps me active and reduces slumping, back pain etc, but I have made sure I have my various keyboards, mice, tablets etc positioned comfortably for each position. I learnt long ago in the workshop about getting your workspace right, If you are banging away for hours with a hammer and chisel you feel it and adjust accordingly, but tiny movements of your hand feel like nothing so you don't feel the creeping damage.
If you spend a lot of time at your computer you need to make it fit, not fit to it.

Trogluddite

Sorry to hear that, Oli,

I agree with Daniel, it sounds very much like a case of carpal tunnel problems, and you're quite right, it won't go away unless you take some action.
First thing, if you haven't already, is to get to your GP. If it's hurting all the time, then the movements of the joint during daily life are probably not giving things a chance to heal - I had to wear a wrist brace for quite a while when I got it bad, and stop playing my beloved bass guitar etc., but my wrists sure seemed glad of the rest even after just a day or two.

From what I was told at the time, the problem is not so much with moving the mouse, but due to having the thumb and pinky/ring finger constantly locked in the same position to grasp the thing - the force required may be very small, but our joints are designed for movement, and just don't like being jammed in the same position for too long!

I've had a much better time since I started using a track ball rather than a mouse for much of my PC work. I'll refrain from plugging any particular model, as it will depend very much what you can get comfortable with. But I would recommend something that you can sit on your lap, rather than with your arm laid on the desk top, so that you have a choice of postures.

A track ball is also more "brace friendly" too, so I found it easier to still be productive even when I needed the extra support - and while the 'track ball on lap' posture slows things down a bit, I always felt that the extra movement needed to reach to the keyboard seemed to help keeping the joints nice and 'oiled'. Having a mouse too, will still be very handy, and do take care that any track-ball can emulate middle mouse and wheel actions, otherwise you'll be cursing when you want to orbit your models!

Long term, it's just a matter of awareness - some simple exercises, and knowing the tell-tale signs that a rest or change of posture is needed have managed to keep the worst at bay for many years for me. I've only needed the brace again to wear during "down-time" when I know I've been overdoing it a bit - tucking my wrist up nice and cosy in bed so it's rested for the next day, so to speak.

All the best,
Trog.

pbacot

I had this when I first started CAD. I had other problems too and they are all helped by adjusting posture and ways of working.

What I tried first was adjusting the height of the mouse. generally higher, but it takes testing and you can feel when it is easier. Switching occasionally (add a phone book under the pad) can give relief. But now I have a constant height level with the elbow (and chair with arm rest) I have Razer mice that have a bit of bulge to cup in your hand. Most important I try to curl my hand inward as it would be in rest. I put my whole hand over the mouse and use other fingers than the index. I also have the sensitivity and acceleration turned way up. (Most people cannot use my mouse on first try.) I use my fingers and not the wrist for a lot of motion. I now use a Razer Sphex pad, which is really just a large textured skin.

I say all this because some of it may help and some of it might might not--but I don't get CTS soreness usually. I think CTS and other soreness can be related to holding the hand unnaturally splayed to the outside.

edit: People talk about sitting. I now have an Aeron chair. I know they are horribly expensive, but the difference is radical for me and your health is worth it--look for a used one. I don't really feel like I have been sitting when I get up. No back issues from sitting long hours. Yes, and monitor height affects everything too.

olishea

Wow, thanks. Seriously great advice.

Yes I think it's my posture and short desk. My forearm is right on the edge of my desk which also gives me shoulder pain. I'm always looking down slightly at my screen too. And yes my wrist is pointing outwards when I use the mouse.

I'm gonna try not using the gel pad, see if it resolves some of the issues. Also lowered my chair.

Looks like I'll need a new desk, the one I'm using isn't built for computers, it's just a bedroom worktop. It's not even deep enough to fit my keyboard on so I'm always typing at an angle I may nick the office table from downstairs because that's a good height and has a stand for the screen.

Thanks for all the help, I thought it was a permanent injury and I don't want to end up with arthritis. Will go to my GP next week and see about a brace. It will help me complete the geek look.

Basically my whole computer setup is destroying my body!

Bep

Try one of these http://www.trackballmouse.org/
I use this one http://www.trackballmouse.org/logitech-cordless-optical-trackman/ for 8 hours a day at work, and then at home a regular 3 button cordless mouse
Try to find the most comfortable position for your arm and the pointing device.

Bep

Box

And of course there is the other issue.....

Left Mouse.jpg

olishea

lol that face!!

I tried a trackball mouse but could never get used to it. I'm currently using a logitech like this (mx revolution).

I'm thinking the problems stem from posture and depth of my desk, from what everyone's said. Gonna try a new desk tomorrow and see if that helps. I've found an old wrist strap for time being, it limits movement somewhat so I guess that will take some pressure off.

Richard

I've never had any wrist issues until recently. We had a wine festival over in the park and after (too many vinos) took a friend for a walk to show him an old tram track cutting near home.

With me being a climber he asked if I'd ever climbing these cliffs - "no but here hold my wine and I'll do it now"!

Result - I hit the deck! Sprained ankle, wrist and a badly bruised arse!

jeff hammond

@olishea said:

lol that face!!

. I'm currently using a logitech like this (mx revolution).

haha.. i was going to recommend getting this mouse
i have two styles -- that one ^ for my desktop needs then an anywhereMX for mobile..

the smaller anywhere version tends to fatigue me a lot quicker than the full size..

but, seeing how you already have the mouse i was going to recommend, i guess i can flush my advice down the toilet.

stefanq

Hi Oli, the image below show the true problem when using the common shape mouse. I do agree they look odd. Maybe using both hands is the solution. Like Ronnie O'Sullivan.
You'll be Oliver The Rocket Shea.
Forgot the image (face-palm)

dcauldwell

I'm surprised nobody has suggested a pen tablet. I used to suffer from RSI and found that by using the mouse (for scrolling mainly) with the left hand and the pen and (Wacom) tablet with the right hand the problem went away. The pen is sooo easy and natural to use.

David