Re: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other RMDs

**Acreo Aeneas** · 11-08-2008, 03:47 AM

Originally Posted by cstealth

Everybody at my moms work has those vertical mice things.
They would say get them because they absolutely love them

I've never seen one in the wild. I'm surprised your mom's company spent so much on computer periphrials.

I've read that you sort of hang your hand by your thumb when using the Evoluent mouse. Can you confirm that cstealth?

**cstealth** · 11-08-2008, 04:01 AM

Ya, does seem weird, they might get discounts 'cause its a university
Kinda i suppose, i can tell you more about it once i see it again and can feel it
There is like 3 buttons and a scroll wheel in between 1&2 although its kinda hard to scroll
Its very odd to use one the first time because, your hands sideways!!
Ill examine it more if you want me to on Wednesday when i go back there

**peardog** · 11-08-2008, 08:13 AM

Don't mess around with your health.. If you use a mouse and PC this much now then I assume your FIELD will need computer work in the future. I have a bad lower back that is brought on by really bad posture in a chair at work and in a car...I Lean in toward the console in the middle where and arm rest is.. But after Chiropractic work and such I got back to a Level playing field.. But three years ago I "invested" in a specialised Chair for myselft at work which ran a Bit over $1000. I was thinkng I was nuts for doing it..but if you have ever been stuck on your back for a few days in pain.. you will pay anything. Needeless to say since that I HAVE NOT had any real back problems...

I had a buddy who had or has CTS but had the surgery in both wrists... and no complaints since..

**Sarcoma** · 11-08-2008, 11:06 AM

If it is your 4th finger and pinky the grow numb, then it is you Ulnar nerve that is inflamed as it passes through your wrist. The ulnar nerve is located at the base of your wrist (make a nice cpt.Kirk karate-chop, it passes thru the bottom of your wrist, at the pivot point.) Tell that to any ergonomic specialist and you will get some solid advice.

I am sensitive to CTS and have to pay close attention to my body position and ergonomics, no surgery required.

Sarcoma

**msdz** · 11-08-2008, 11:07 AM

I know a woman that got SSI/disability check cause she had CTS.... or I should say it helped her get it. The main reason I THINK she got it though is cause she has a few screws gone in the elevator that doesn't go no where's near the top floor.

**VegaBond** · 11-08-2008, 11:27 AM

What are the quick easy solutions to CTS, other than rest and quick exercises from computer work?

**Spulat** · 11-08-2008, 02:02 PM

I also need to have surgery. I have to stop playing 2142 some nights because my wrist gets cold (I sit my a window and it's kind of getting cold here now) and it starts to lock up. I've been dealing with CTS for about 2 years now but don't have insurance so I can't get it fixed. I try stretching and doing other things, but it only helps it from getting worse. The damage has already been done, and sadly, computers are my paycheck.

In the meantime, I use a splinted glove at least half of the day and sometimes at night, and except for gaming, I now use a thumb trackball which has helped immensely.

I also have a lot of shoulder pain from time to time and tennis elbow, but that is mostly due to having a sedentary lifestyle the past 8 months. Which I only broke about 2 weeks ago with regular exercise.

**Acreo Aeneas** · 11-08-2008, 06:43 PM

Wow, lots of good information and advice.

Sadly, my insurance goes through my dad's health care coverage at work. Anything that involves the hospital and the company either refuses to cover it or will haggle over the 10-30% the plan supposedly covers (Cigna Healthcare).

One thing I've really notice about my mousing habits: i move it with my fingers and only palm it when I'm browsing or doing simple tasks. My hand also gets numb quickly without a wristpad and a full-size/oversized mouse.

I'll look up a ergonomics specialist in the area to seek some advice.

Originally Posted by Peardog

But three years ago I "invested" in a specialised Chair for myselft at work which ran a Bit over $1000.

I've got one in mind that costs about a third of that. It has lumbar support, pressurized rise-and-fall, and height adjustable armrests. Probably will save up and buy it one of these days instead of this hardbacked steel chair I use now.

As for surgery, I've read that they remove the ligament connecting two bones to make more room for the nerve to expand. Doesn't that mean my grip is weaker and my wrist is at a risk of dislocating easily?

**Capt Splendid** · 11-09-2008, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by Acreo Aeneas

As for surgery, I've read that they remove the ligament connecting two bones to make more room for the nerve to expand. Doesn't that mean my grip is weaker and my wrist is at a risk of dislocating easily?

You're close. Look at this picture to help. They don't remove the ligament, they clip the fascia of the transverse carpal ligament to relieve the pressure. Maybe that's what you meant.

Your grip strength will decrease following surgery, but that's only because of the immobilization causing atrophy (anyone who has ever had a cast can attest). If you go to physical therapy like you're supposed to, there should be no problem regaining proper use of those muscles. You stand a better chance to lose grip strength due to the numbness than you are by just getting the surgery.

The only negative side to surgery (other than usual dangers with surgery) is the time you will have to take off to heal. That being said, it's not recommended for people that young to get the surgery though, because that fascia will grow back together and bring the problem back. There isn't a single orthopedic physician that will recommend surgery as a first option. Conservative methods are strongly encouraged before surgery: wearing a brace at night/gaming, avoiding wrist flexion (think the motion of flamboyant types), icing, OTC NSAIDs (Ibuprofin), avoiding the activities to take a break, and stretching (my friend here can help you).

And don't worry about your wrist dislocating. There's a ton of fun stuff in the wrist holding it together, letting a little fascia snip slide. My two years in x-ray and my girlfriend's four years of athletic training (managing injuries in collegiate soccer, baseball, and football) cannot come up with more than, like, two examples of a dislocated wrist.

**Acreo Aeneas** · 11-09-2008, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by Capt Splendid

You're close. Look at this picture to help. They don't remove the ligament, they clip the fascia of the transverse carpal ligament to relieve the pressure. Maybe that's what you meant.

Your grip strength will decrease following surgery, but that's only because of the immobilization causing atrophy (anyone who has ever had a cast can attest). If you go to physical therapy like you're supposed to, there should be no problem regaining proper use of those muscles. You stand a better chance to lose grip strength due to the numbness than you are by just getting the surgery.

The only negative side to surgery (other than usual dangers with surgery) is the time you will have to take off to heal. That being said, it's not recommended for people that young to get the surgery though, because that fascia will grow back together and bring the problem back. There isn't a single orthopedic physician that will recommend surgery as a first option. Conservative methods are strongly encouraged before surgery: wearing a brace at night/gaming, avoiding wrist flexion (think the motion of flamboyant types), icing, OTC NSAIDs (Ibuprofin), avoiding the activities to take a break, and stretching (my friend here can help you).

And don't worry about your wrist dislocating. There's a ton of fun stuff in the wrist holding it together, letting a little fascia snip slide. My two years in x-ray and my girlfriend's four years of athletic training (managing injuries in collegiate soccer, baseball, and football) cannot come up with more than, like, two examples of a dislocated wrist.

Yes, that is the ligament I was referring to but couldn't think of the proper spelling for the first two words.

Good to know that surgery might be a better option and later in life. Thanks for the advice Splendid.

For the moment, I've found that if you use a wristpad, a mouse designed for right handers (with the slope down towards the right side), and keep your forearm level with the height of your wrist, that most of my numbness slowly dissipates.

Next thing on the list is a new chair.

**CingularDuality** · 11-09-2008, 06:44 PM

Originally Posted by Acreo Aeneas

I welcome any comments, discussion, advice, ecetera.

I've experienced the cold numbness in the mouse hand before. One of the things that I've found useful is to crank the mouse sensitivity up as high as it will go, letting you move the cursor with the slightest of motion. If you're not used to this it'll take some time to get used to, but it is well worth it.

**Acreo Aeneas** · 11-09-2008, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by CingularDuality

I've experienced the cold numbness in the mouse hand before. One of the things that I've found useful is to crank the mouse sensitivity up as high as it will go, letting you move the cursor with the slightest of motion. If you're not used to this it'll take some time to get used to, but it is well worth it.

I'm using mines at 800 and 1200 dpi respective. I've found that when I'm working quickly, I always miss a button or a line of code when I move my mouse cursor to select something at anything above 1300 dpi setting.

**El_Gringo_Grande** · 11-09-2008, 11:53 PM

There is another thread with more information.

I have found that learning keyboard shortcuts to be useful.

I use both the vista start menu search and slickrun. Slickrun is also great for productivity as well.

Another thing I do is sit on a ball. One of those exercise balls that cost about $10. It looks goofy but it helps my back by forcing me to sit up straight. This also keeps my arms level while typing. Doesn't hurt the abs either.

When the pain gets bad I use a product called Biofreeze on my wrist, hand joints and upper arm. It is basically a stronger Absorbine Jr. It doesn't cure anything but it helps immensely when I am on a coding stretch.

**Acreo Aeneas** · 11-10-2008, 12:00 AM

Originally Posted by El_Gringo_Grande

There is another thread with more information.

I have found that learning keyboard shortcuts to be useful.

I use both the vista start menu search and slickrun. Slickrun is also great for productivity as well.

Another thing I do is sit on a ball. One of those exercise balls that cost about $10. It looks goofy but it helps my back by forcing me to sit up straight. This also keeps my arms level while typing. Doesn't hurt the abs either.

When the pain gets bad I use a product called Biofreeze on my wrist, hand joints and upper arm. It is basically a stronger Absorbine Jr. It doesn't cure anything but it helps immensely when I am on a coding stretch.

It seems I posted in that other thread. Heh, I had completely forgotten there was another thread.

I'm looking through BioFreeze's website...is there a store where I can purchase one of their products?

**El_Gringo_Grande** · 11-10-2008, 12:13 AM

Originally Posted by Acreo Aeneas

It seems I posted in that other thread. Heh, I had completely forgotten there was another thread.

I'm looking through BioFreeze's website...is there a store where I can purchase one of their products?

I actually got my supply from my mother. Her chiropractor gave her a bunch of the stuff and she gave me her extras.

You can buy it online at drugstore.com but I have never seen it at a local store.

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