twig Posted September 21, 2004 Share Posted September 21, 2004 I feel as if I'm getting a repetitive strain injury in the index finger of the hand I use my mouse with at work, does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do to stave it off? I spend approx 70% of my working day using the mouse and I would hate for it to bugger up my ambition of getting the #3 by knackering my index finger in my dominant hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SqeezeMasterFlash Posted September 21, 2004 Share Posted September 21, 2004 Extensor work throughout the day has been helpful to me. Make sure you've got a good wrist rest on your mousepad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wsm_fan_uk Posted September 21, 2004 Share Posted September 21, 2004 If memory serves twig you work in the public sector (jealousy is a terrible thing), speak to your health and safety officer. Explain the problem and request an audit of your workstation, the mouse mat and rubber bands are a good idea too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Wood Posted September 21, 2004 Share Posted September 21, 2004 Learn to use the mouse with your other hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HAMMERHEAD Posted September 21, 2004 Share Posted September 21, 2004 I have a nagging wrist injury due to using a mouse. I only use a mouse with my left hand now. -HH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opnsysme Posted September 21, 2004 Share Posted September 21, 2004 I echo what John Wood said, I had a pain in my wrist and after switching to my left hand , I have had no more problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankyBoy Posted September 21, 2004 Share Posted September 21, 2004 (edited) Same here. Change hands on the mouse. Get an ergonomic mousepad to avoid stressing the other hand. Worked fine for me. I had a kind of numbness in the finger tips of my right hand especially when using the mouse after a heavy gripper workout. Now I'm using the mouse with my left and everything is fine right now. Edited September 21, 2004 by FrankyBoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bport Posted September 21, 2004 Share Posted September 21, 2004 I also use rubber bands to work extensors. I use a mouse all day and the symtoms were creeping in. The pain in my wrist and forearm are gone and I have only done 2 workouts with the bands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGuy Posted September 21, 2004 Share Posted September 21, 2004 Don't switch hands as in time you might get the same problem. Try using a mouse without a scroll wheel. Use rotational balls, and also do wristroller work and elastic band extensor work. The culprit I believe is the scroll wheel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankyBoy Posted September 21, 2004 Share Posted September 21, 2004 The point is that you usually stress your dominant hand much more than the other. Thats the reason the Carpal tunnel syndrome usually occurs on your dominant hand. But if you already have problems its better to take off that stress from the injured hand immediately i.e. use the other hand for the mouse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuck Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 You could also try using your middle or ring finger instead of the index on the mouse. Develop more dexterity and share the load. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twig Posted September 22, 2004 Author Share Posted September 22, 2004 If memory serves twig you work in the public sector (jealousy is a terrible thing), speak to your health and safety officer. Explain the problem and request an audit of your workstation, the mouse mat and rubber bands are a good idea too. I do indeed work in the public sector, I've already requested an assessment of my workstation, and due to the efficiency of the Civil Service it will be carried out in 4 months time! I'll give the extensor work a try, and I'm going shopping for a mouse at the weekend, I'd rather buy my own than wait all that time. In the meantime I've taped my index finger to my thumb so that I have to use my index finger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Piche Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 I use a Natural Keyboard and would not use anything else now. I also have a mouse that's a trac ball so my wrist is rotated so the hand is perpindicular. My key board at work also is on an adjustable platform so my hands can easily be placed in a non-stressful position. I basically have the same setup at home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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