yep - it's the finger using the mouse the most

I have had this problem for so long, been through multiple mice, now on logitech for a couple of years (better but not great).  I just live with it - been MTg for 3 decades........hands always hurt too cuz I won't have carpal tunnel surgery or any hand surgery (been there, done that, and never again).  Hope you feel better.  Advil helps but Advil is not all that good for you for any length of time....

http://www.ajronline.org/cgi/content/full/181/5/1224

• Right arm pain? - Laur
  • wrist pain - K
    • I think I might have same as you - Suri
      • I thought I had strained it picking up - Laur
        • I take ibuprofen usually on a daily basis - Suri
  • tendinitis - worried MT
    • Thanks - don't worry - - Laur
      • Doctor Visit - worried MT
  • yep - it's the finger using the mouse the most - see link.....sm
    • This website is incredible. Thanks! pls see msg - Laur

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FYI.  This was on Kim's Cool Site of the Day for June 15.

http://www.komando.com/downloads/category.aspx?id=6420

Hello all:

I was wondering if maybe some of you might have some pointers for me.  I have been doing transcription for almost 3 years, and I have days where I have "fumble fingers."  This really gets on my nerves as on the days I have fumble fingers it seems it takes me forever with my documents.  I was just wondering if anyone else has days like these? Any ideas on what to do?  I can typically type 80-85 words per minute, but when I have finger fumble days, of course it makes me type slower because I am having to continually backspace!!

Thank you :)

wrist.  Using a brace at night helps some.  I use the kind that has the metal strip so that you can't bend your wrist.  I found them at my drugstore.   I had surgery almost 15 years ago and did fine until this past year, and again am developing symptoms.  My symptoms developed from writing, not typing, and now I can type usually without problems, but I can only write a tiny bit, can't grip a garden tool for long or do any type of fine motor movement for long and then if I do my wrists hurt so much that typing then bothers me. 

I know there is some vitamin regimen to help, though I don't know what it is.  I was put on Naprosyn first and was allergic to it.  Orthopod suggested hot and cold soaks, 15 minutes each.  I had cortisone injections and some other type of injections, and physical therapy.   I was only out of work about 3 days, but I wasn't an MT at the time.   I do not have the strength in my hand that I used to, but other than that haven't really had any problems.  I do have trouble with pain occasionally, can't think of the word, but it feels like the scar is drawing up and I get shooting pains, but I can massage the scar and it eases.    I'm considering a job change rather than going through surgery again, not because the surgery was bad, just because not only do I have carpal tunnel, but I have swelling and tingling in my feet, butt spread, etc.  

Word of warning - make sure you have an empty bladder before the EMG study.  They have to test both sides so they have a comparison and between laying flat, still, and the electrical shocks I couldn't get off that table quick enough to go potty.

Also, if you don't already, get a keyboard tray that is adjustable.  You can find them at a woodworking store or in various catalogs.  I can position mine at various heights and various angles.  I also sometimes lower the tray and put a pillow on it and then my keyboard and it absorbs some of the pressure and using the pillow you don't have an edge from the tray or the wrist pad pressing into you.  I also found I sit back in my chair better with the pillow.  If this is not comfortable at least try a folded towel between the tray and keyboard.

I wouldn't discourage surgery, but I would try some of the things above first. 

Glad it worked! 

to hook it up over my calculator pad on my keyboard.  This would be probably metal or hard plastic.  Had one at the hospital and so I know someone carries them; I just do not know what they are called.

I am the person with the tennis elbow-type symptoms.  Thanks for the tip on track ball mouse.  Picked up a Logitech model for 20.00 yesterday at Staples.  They were on sale. 

Thanks! 

My past experience with this has been a sure sign of spyware/adware or a virus.  If you have any programs to detect such, try running them and see what comes up.  Sorry to say, I wasn't very lucky with this problem and ended up getting a new PC because of a virus I couldn't eliminate.  I HOPE this is not your problem, but it sounds similar to what I had once.  Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but lets hope I'm wrong.

Romey:  A mouse bridge is a plastic or metal covering that fits over the number pad of a keyboard.   When you are working it allows you to bring the mouse in closer so you don't have as much of a reach which can strain your wrists, shoulder and neck area.  It also elevates the mouse and keeps it line with your wrist and arm and that also helps with wrist pain.  You can Google mouse bridge and see what they look like.  They sell for about 20 dollars or so and can be found on Ebay, Amazon, etc.   For the microsoft 4000 the best one is the largest one they sell  because that keyboard is so big.

Because I was in so much pain I did tons of research and looked at what would make a difference in the desk set up.  Besides a good  chair and keyboard the mouse set up is also important.  The split keyboards force you to have a MUCH longer reach and that is not good.   One of the drawbacks of a split keyboard even if you are not mousing that much.   I know some people put their mouse up on the desk because with their big keyboards the mouse will no longer fit in the tray.  From an ergonomics perspective that is a big no-no!

The mouse I chose was the Evoluent mouse and it is a mouse that is turned on its side and puts your wrist in a "handshake" position so much less stress on the wrist.  Granted it is expensive but it saved my wrist.   When I tell you I had pain so bad I could not touch the keyboard in the morning and my whole hand was numb.  I thought I would have to give up transcribing and look at another career.  The keyboard and mouse change made all the difference!