Discussion
You've probably never heard of it. That's because I've made up the name. I guess that the proper name may be Repetitive Strain Injury.
I have what I can best describe as an intermittent aching right arm. (Yeah - yeah.... I know). I can trace the origin of this back 18 months when I started to do more design / video editing work that requires a more variable use of a computer mouse and at times, a lot of similar movements.
It doesn't hurt as such. I can't say that I've lost any strength. But certain movements have become 'uncomfortable' mainly from just below the shoulder along the bicep - and then to a lesser extend around the wrist.
Otherwise, I'm in fine fettle.
I'm quite happy to visit the docs but given they have a few more things to deal with at the mo, I was just wondering if there might be any fixes or exercises or something I might explore given that operating a computer mouse is what I need to do!
Cheers in advance.
I have what I can best describe as an intermittent aching right arm. (Yeah - yeah.... I know). I can trace the origin of this back 18 months when I started to do more design / video editing work that requires a more variable use of a computer mouse and at times, a lot of similar movements.
It doesn't hurt as such. I can't say that I've lost any strength. But certain movements have become 'uncomfortable' mainly from just below the shoulder along the bicep - and then to a lesser extend around the wrist.
Otherwise, I'm in fine fettle.
I'm quite happy to visit the docs but given they have a few more things to deal with at the mo, I was just wondering if there might be any fixes or exercises or something I might explore given that operating a computer mouse is what I need to do!
Cheers in advance.
I had that issue and I changed my mouse for one of these, which solved the problem entirely…
https://www.3m.co.uk/3M/en_GB/p/d/v000093833/
https://www.3m.co.uk/3M/en_GB/p/d/v000093833/
When I first used a computer I needed to write notes at the same time so taught myself to use a mouse with my left hand, switching almost immediately to a track ball for comfort.
For the past 20+ years I've used a Logitech TrackMan Marble without any problems, until about four years ago when arthritis in my fingers worsened, my fingers are very stiff making 'ball fingering' increasingly difficult and uncomfortable. Typing is, even at the best of times, a slow, painful process.
The 3M Ergonomic Mouse looks like the best solution but it's only RHD.
BTW - 'Mouse Arm' really exists: https://contour-design.co.uk/ergonomics/what-is-mo...
For the past 20+ years I've used a Logitech TrackMan Marble without any problems, until about four years ago when arthritis in my fingers worsened, my fingers are very stiff making 'ball fingering' increasingly difficult and uncomfortable. Typing is, even at the best of times, a slow, painful process.
The 3M Ergonomic Mouse looks like the best solution but it's only RHD.
BTW - 'Mouse Arm' really exists: https://contour-design.co.uk/ergonomics/what-is-mo...
Haltamer said:
Trackball mice are a good ergonomic option; You'll find they are easier to get used to than you would expect.
Is the plural mice or just mouses?I cured my RSI from mouse use with a wonderful IKEA raise and lower desk.
I stand almost all of the time.
Great for blood flow and a healthier option.
Quick update and a note of thanks to Dr Pistonheads who brings home the bacon yet again!
Plumped for a Contour Unimouse
Works a treat.
Arrived on Wednesday and as of this morning, no signs of RSI. Honestly thought that would be an issue for some time to come.
So thanks for the diagnostic and prescription chaps!
Plumped for a Contour Unimouse
Works a treat.
Arrived on Wednesday and as of this morning, no signs of RSI. Honestly thought that would be an issue for some time to come.
So thanks for the diagnostic and prescription chaps!
Hi - I sincerely hope your new mouse does the job and you don't have any further problems. However, if they do reoccur, one possibility worth considering is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - this is where the small aperture that all the nerves for your arm and hand travel through (roughly speaking, between the shoulder and pec) gets constricted, due to a combination of repetitive small muscle movements and less than ideal posture.
It's one of those things that is a bit of a bugger to get diagnosed / treated, but the takeaway is to try and pay as much attention to your back / shoulder position when you are working as your hand / arm (as has already been suggested, above).
I had TOC, and it's an absolute git - I also now use an ergonomic mouse, and I also swap mouse use between left and right hand to try and minimise too much repetitive stress (not easy at first, but it's amazing what you can achieve with your non-dominant hand with repeated short bursts of practice...although, possibly the nature of your work precludes this (I certainly wouldn't recommend it for a keyhole Surgeon!)
If your discomfort returns, it's worth checking out some of the You Tube videos on exercises for TOC - it's one of those things where, the earlier you can catch it and moderate it, the better. Once it's embedded, it's a huge faff to "re-educate" the nerves (for want of a better description), even if you do manage to release the constriction in the channel.
The simplest description of where the problem is with TOC (if the pain/weakness is on your right side) is to tilt your head to the left while pushing your right shoulder downwards and backwards - this action is the reverse of the posture that causes the problem. I tend to do a few similar exercises when I take a break from the keyboard (usually throwing in a bit of free-form gurning to complete the visual effect).
It's one of those things that is a bit of a bugger to get diagnosed / treated, but the takeaway is to try and pay as much attention to your back / shoulder position when you are working as your hand / arm (as has already been suggested, above).
I had TOC, and it's an absolute git - I also now use an ergonomic mouse, and I also swap mouse use between left and right hand to try and minimise too much repetitive stress (not easy at first, but it's amazing what you can achieve with your non-dominant hand with repeated short bursts of practice...although, possibly the nature of your work precludes this (I certainly wouldn't recommend it for a keyhole Surgeon!)
If your discomfort returns, it's worth checking out some of the You Tube videos on exercises for TOC - it's one of those things where, the earlier you can catch it and moderate it, the better. Once it's embedded, it's a huge faff to "re-educate" the nerves (for want of a better description), even if you do manage to release the constriction in the channel.
The simplest description of where the problem is with TOC (if the pain/weakness is on your right side) is to tilt your head to the left while pushing your right shoulder downwards and backwards - this action is the reverse of the posture that causes the problem. I tend to do a few similar exercises when I take a break from the keyboard (usually throwing in a bit of free-form gurning to complete the visual effect).
Yep suffering a bit with this at the minute!
Trying to use left hand more as I'm generally able to use left side almost as well as my right for many things (kicking, throwing,
ing etc.). No idea why - I just involuntarily 'trained' myself in using the other hand/foot over time. Anyone else do this?
Gonna give the vertical a whirl too as like OP just rotating the arm seems to do the trick. Not dismissing trackballs as might order one of those too + a support bandage.
BTW 'Mouse Elbow' is a thing
Trying to use left hand more as I'm generally able to use left side almost as well as my right for many things (kicking, throwing,
ing etc.). No idea why - I just involuntarily 'trained' myself in using the other hand/foot over time. Anyone else do this?Gonna give the vertical a whirl too as like OP just rotating the arm seems to do the trick. Not dismissing trackballs as might order one of those too + a support bandage.
BTW 'Mouse Elbow' is a thing
ian996 said:
Hi - I sincerely hope your new mouse does the job and you don't have any further problems. However, if they do reoccur, one possibility worth considering is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - this is where the small aperture that all the nerves for your arm and hand travel through (roughly speaking, between the shoulder and pec) gets constricted, due to a combination of repetitive small muscle movements and less than ideal posture.
It's one of those things that is a bit of a bugger to get diagnosed / treated, but the takeaway is to try and pay as much attention to your back / shoulder position when you are working as your hand / arm (as has already been suggested, above).
I had TOC, and it's an absolute git - I also now use an ergonomic mouse, and I also swap mouse use between left and right hand to try and minimise too much repetitive stress (not easy at first, but it's amazing what you can achieve with your non-dominant hand with repeated short bursts of practice...although, possibly the nature of your work precludes this (I certainly wouldn't recommend it for a keyhole Surgeon!)
If your discomfort returns, it's worth checking out some of the You Tube videos on exercises for TOC - it's one of those things where, the earlier you can catch it and moderate it, the better. Once it's embedded, it's a huge faff to "re-educate" the nerves (for want of a better description), even if you do manage to release the constriction in the channel.
The simplest description of where the problem is with TOC (if the pain/weakness is on your right side) is to tilt your head to the left while pushing your right shoulder downwards and backwards - this action is the reverse of the posture that causes the problem. I tend to do a few similar exercises when I take a break from the keyboard (usually throwing in a bit of free-form gurning to complete the visual effect).
This is exactly what I was trying to explain, rather poorly!It's one of those things that is a bit of a bugger to get diagnosed / treated, but the takeaway is to try and pay as much attention to your back / shoulder position when you are working as your hand / arm (as has already been suggested, above).
I had TOC, and it's an absolute git - I also now use an ergonomic mouse, and I also swap mouse use between left and right hand to try and minimise too much repetitive stress (not easy at first, but it's amazing what you can achieve with your non-dominant hand with repeated short bursts of practice...although, possibly the nature of your work precludes this (I certainly wouldn't recommend it for a keyhole Surgeon!)
If your discomfort returns, it's worth checking out some of the You Tube videos on exercises for TOC - it's one of those things where, the earlier you can catch it and moderate it, the better. Once it's embedded, it's a huge faff to "re-educate" the nerves (for want of a better description), even if you do manage to release the constriction in the channel.
The simplest description of where the problem is with TOC (if the pain/weakness is on your right side) is to tilt your head to the left while pushing your right shoulder downwards and backwards - this action is the reverse of the posture that causes the problem. I tend to do a few similar exercises when I take a break from the keyboard (usually throwing in a bit of free-form gurning to complete the visual effect).
I've been suffering with this for ages, two months physio so far and its not 100%. Lots of neck and arm stretching, pushing and pulling 3-4 time a day.
FazerBoy said:
I had that issue and I changed my mouse for one of these, which solved the problem entirely…
https://www.3m.co.uk/3M/en_GB/p/d/v000093833/
Do you use that like a joystick. Could do with that at work. https://www.3m.co.uk/3M/en_GB/p/d/v000093833/
croyde said:
Do you use that like a joystick. Could do with that at work.
No, the hand-hold is fixed to the base and the mouse buttons are operated by thumb and forefinger. It is a really comfortable, natural and relaxed position for the hand and wrist compared to using a normal mouse.
Rammlied said:
Yep suffering a bit with this at the minute!
Trying to use left hand more as I'm generally able to use left side almost as well as my right for many things (kicking, throwing,ing etc.). No idea why - I just involuntarily 'trained' myself in using the other hand/foot over time. Anyone else do this?
Gonna give the vertical a whirl too as like OP just rotating the arm seems to do the trick. Not dismissing trackballs as might order one of those too + a support bandage.
BTW 'Mouse Elbow' is a thing
I swapped hands (for mouseing!). I use an RH mouse LH.Trying to use left hand more as I'm generally able to use left side almost as well as my right for many things (kicking, throwing,
ing etc.). No idea why - I just involuntarily 'trained' myself in using the other hand/foot over time. Anyone else do this?Gonna give the vertical a whirl too as like OP just rotating the arm seems to do the trick. Not dismissing trackballs as might order one of those too + a support bandage.
BTW 'Mouse Elbow' is a thing
Shared workstations over the years caused colleagues to mildly curse when I'd forgotten to return the mouse to the other side of the desk after use
On the general other side training. I've taught myself to wash cars LH. Partly for RSI (rep. scrubbing inj?) and partly to see if I could.
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