RSI in mouse hand

Can anyone recommend a mouse to use that would help RSI (repetitive strain injury). I seem to get cramps between thumb & index finger. I'd like to nip it in the bud, before it becomes really bad. Any advice would be gratefully received. :wink:

Greenie

Welcome to the forums greenie! Where you posting from?

I like the small Logitech wireless mouse, my hand just covers it. Comfortable.

The extra center button is great for panning.

I also use Logitech's wireless keyboard. Nice when you want to sit back.

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/notebook_products/mice/devices/6536

I like my small wireless Microsoft mouse. I tried a few before settling on the one I use today. Go by an office supply store they tend to have a good selection and just take your time and see what feels the best for you.

I like mine because it fits completely inside my hand I used to get cramps on the outside of mt hand and and irretated feeling due to my pinky always pressing aginst the side of the mouse I never realized how much pressure I was applying trying to keep my finger against the mouse.

Best of luck to you, I hope you find one that helps.

There are a few threads here with different setups people use - I have just gotten used to my very tiny mouse and now I don't get why I thought it was too tiny at the start.

Perhaps a mouse is not the way to go for you, there are other pointer devices that might ease the tension for you.

And don't forget to stretch - a break every now and then to limber up those muscles!

If you have even rudimentary carpentry skills build yourself a sloping surface to move your mouse upon and provide support for your wrist. The platform should be about 14 inches square, 1/2 inch high in the front and 2" high at the rear. Cover this with a piece of mylar film. Your RSI should disappear and the chances you'll be a candidate for carpal tunnel surgery greatly reduced.

greenie, based on the pain in your thumb and index finger, it sounds like you might be experiencing CTS. Other than lower back pain, this is the most common workplace injury.

http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/carpal-tunnel-syndrome

It has been four years since I took Ergonomics, and I don't have the textbook any more, so you should definitely look this stuff up on your own or ask someone who actually knows what the %&$@ they're talking about, but here's what I remember...

Most of the time, repetitive stress injuries can be prevented by taking breaks and stretching every half hour. I actually try to get up and walk around while I loosen my wrists every half hour or so. This also will help with strain on your eyes, you should focus on something about 20-30 feet away for 20-30 seconds every half hour when you're staring at a computer screen.

As for getting a comfortable mouse, I think it's also important to work on your posture and the angle at which your wrist is sitting. Invest in a nice wrist pad to put in front of your keyboard (and an ergonomic keyboard), and get one of those mouse pads with a built in wrist rest, or I think you can just buy a wrist rest to set in front of your mouse pad.

The trick here is to keep your hands and wrists at a strait angle, rather than angling your wrists up. Get a good adjustable chair with good back support, and make sure your keyboard isn't too high or too low for you. You might find that raising your seat up a little (or lowering it) will alleviate some of the strain on your wrists.

A friend of mine actually had a bad case of CTS, and his doctor recommended a Microsoft keyboard that tilted away from him, where the space bar and wrist rest were about two inches above the desk, and the F1-F12 keys were only half an inch above the desk. I used his keyboard for a while and I could see how that would help someone with wrist pains, because your wrists were forced to be in a more "natural" position.

Hope this helps, and agian, I'm no expert so you should definitely do some research on this stuff, and if you're in pain you should probably see a doctor.

If you have even rudimentary carpentry skills build yourself a sloping surface to move your mouse upon and provide support for your wrist. The platform should be about 14 inches square, 1/2 inch high in the front and 2" high at the rear. Cover this with a piece of mylar film. Your RSI should disappear and the chances you'll be a candidate for carpal tunnel surgery greatly reduced.

Does that really work ? Coz i am also having an paining elbow & arm.

CTS a horrible condition. I knew a gal who had surgery to correct the condition. Was a long time getting back to normal.......if ever. Ouch!

I also like the keyboards that are angled in the middle. A bit getting used to but going back to a straight keyboard was even worse.

vivian: Yes, it works. I've experinced the same kind of pain greenie describes when I used to work at home one day a week using a flat surface for my mouse. The pain would go away when I returned to work.

I agree with CJJ's advice though about taking a break, stretching and maybe even doing some exercises with the wrist to loosen it up after a long drawing session.

I've seen my share of carpel tunnel surgeries having worked in an operating room for two years.

Caveat: The solution that works for me may not necessarily work for someone else. It is up to the individual to find what works best. I'd also suggest consulting an orthopedic surgeon. Some specialize in CTS.

My dad had CTS inn both hands - not fun. Made me careful about my mouse selection. My vote is for the MX1100 - it fits my hand well.

My dad had CTS inn both hands - not fun. Made me careful about my mouse selection. My vote is for the MX1100 - it fits my hand well.

Excellent mice from Logitech! I've used the MX1100, very comfortable.

I use the smaller version travelling with my laptops.

Excellent mice from Logitech! I've used the MX1100, very comfortable.

 

I use the smaller version travelling with my laptops.

Where in PA are you? I grew up in Pike County - still have family there...

Serious RSI issues here. Been looking at a new mouse, etc & going to a pain management specialist soon for a nerve conduction study.

Question: Anyone have any input or opinions on the "3Dconnexion" "Cad Mouse" and/or their "Space Mouse" ??? or the Combo???

http://www.3dconnexion.com/products/cadmouse.html

http://www.3dconnexion.com/products/spacemouse.html

Changing your mouse helps a lot. Find one that is comfortable for you. The real key is to make sure to take breaks from it and stretch. It works wonders for me but I sometimes forget until I start feeling pain,

I enjoy my track ball. Perhaps you could give one a shot for a little while. If nothing else it just might help to step away from what ever device you are currently using.

I assume the problem is in your right hand. Swap hands. Frees the right hand for the more important keys towards the right.