I think I have mouse wrist.

Donna,

If it is really bothering you, you need to rest it by not using the computer for a couple of days.

If you absolutely have to use the computer, limit the use as much as possible, and perhaps use the keyboard to change the directional stress on the tissues in your wrist.

During the period of rest, you should (1) drink extra water to lubricate the tissues, (2) make sure your diet is healthy, and (3) take a 15 - 30 minute daily walk to allow your circulation system to clean the tissue.

If after 2 or 3 days, your wrist does not feel better, you should go see a physician - your family doctor would be fine.

I leave this advice as an Aikido practitioner/instructor who has had to deal with a lot of sore joints and muscle tissue over the past 14 years.

I hope this helps.

Paul! NO computer for 2 or 3 days? Surely you jest!



You know, I'm kind of embarrassed to admit it, but it really is bothering me. I'm seriously contemplating using my left hand. I'm left handed so it shouldn't be too much of a problem, although I do use my right hand for many more things than my left hand (scissors, holding a fork, playing guitar, etc.). Yesterday it was just my wrist, but today the soreness is going up my arm to my shoulder.


Seriously, I think if I called my PCP and told him how I got this, he'd tell me to go see a psychiatrist!

I will rest it though, Dr. Orcutt. And thank you muchly for the advice!

They make these nice gel wrist rests that are attached to a mouse pad that should help when you have to be on the computer, and forever.

Those gel wrists rests are very bad, all they end up doing is put more pressure on the median nerve (assuming that by mouse wrist you mean carpal tunnel syndrome).

Rest is obviously the best, but prevention is better than a cure. Go see your doctor.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Yikes! I hope not!!

Get some information about setting up your chair, desk and PC equipment to reduce the strain on your body. If you sit akwardly you can cause permanent damage to your body in the long run.

It also might help, if you really cannot take a total break from the computer, to at least make sure and step away from it for short periods of time throughout the day.  Pause everything, go have refreshment or a walk around the block.

Any repetitive motion can lead to similar problems.  People who use the computer a lot, people who stand at cash registers and scan purchases even have a problem.  These are acknowledged work related injuries and the sooner you get a diagnosis and treatment the better your prognosis is for a cure.    Nothing at all to feel shy about.. this type of thing has ended lots of careers.

If you don't feel comfortable talking to your doc about this you might talk to a doc who treats sports injuries, or even a rheumatologist on the off chance it is some kind of arthritis.  These people would recognize a problem with a joint, even if it isn't their specialty. 

I gave up the mouse years ago (mid 90's). I switched to trackballs. Currently I use a wireless Logitech Trackman Marble. I was having serious problems with my wrist and my elbow. Now only problems are occasional sore thumb muscle. Over the years I've managed to convert just about everyone I've worked with. It's a bit of an adjustment the first few weeks, but once you get the hang of it you'll find they're much faster and a lot more accurate. I'd never go back.

I personally am a "neck and shoulder-pain" person, but you could try and get 'Dragon Naturally Speaking' or some other similar software and try talking to your computer instead of 'mousing'

If you are afraid that you can't stay away from your computer for 2-3 days, you can always go and visit a distant relative or a long lost friend for a weekend.

Lantec is right. Mice are evil. Try getting an alternative input device, like a trackbal (so you don't have to move your hand), or a pen/tablet (so you hold your hand in a writing position, which is far less damaging than a mouse).

Also, if your arm aches when your not on the machine, I'd say you've suffered permanent damage and should a) step away from the machine; and visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Well, you have all been very helpful!!

Meowy: I've tried the gel pads, but I just dont feel comfortable with them.

Woodbridge: I hadn't thought of anything as serious as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, so I decided to do a search on it. Apparently computer users and this ailment are starting to multiply! It's something I definately need to consider!

tomassen: "...sit awkwardly?" I think one of my issues on this wrist ailment may stem from using my laptop in bed! I guess being at a desk would be more beneficial?

Madam GoodMorphing:

Any repetitive motion can lead to similar problems.

You know, I seriously think the most repetitive motion I do with the mouse is to scroll with my middle finger. I've tried all day to not scroll and just click. I'm hoping that helps! But it's difficult to break a habit, good or bad!

Lantec: Which finger do you use the track ball with? Or do you use your whole hand? I've never had a track ball mouse.

If you are afraid that you can't stay away from your computer for 2-3 days, you can always go and visit a distant relative or a long lost friend for a weekend.

Hehe! You know, Esther, that's a serious thought! I think another part of my problem is that I have summers off (I'm a preschool teacher in a private nursery school). I need to get back to work! LOL! September is just around the corner!

craeonics: I've had my eye on a Wacom tablet! That's definately in my future, but unfortunately, for financial reasons, not now. Thank goodness it only hurts when I'm on the computer. I think I need to take everyone's advice before it gets to the point where treatment doesn't work.

I appreciate ALL your feedback on this. I tried to make light of it in my initial post because I wasn't aware that anyone else had dealt with this issue. I'm glad I posted this!

Thank you EVERYONE!
Donna

Why not use your left (or off) hand for a while? I also have had my joints manipulated in jujitsu and Corky is right on with his diagnosis, but for the immediate computer fix, switch hands.

I used to have the same problem, but eventually it went away, and I no longer have the problem

47Songs, I'm riddled with osteo-arthritis and suffer carpal tunnel, and find that anti-inflammatories are quite helpful with mouse wrist. Your MD can suggest and prescribe appropriate one to suit your needs. However, whilst these can be effective, they do not replace taking regular breaks, even if only for 10 to 15 minutes every so often. Mild stretching exercises are also helpful.

You know, I seriously think the most repetitive motion I do with the mouse is to scroll with my middle finger. I've tried all day to not scroll and just click

   It might be good to try and imagine non-movement as a type of repetition.  You are repeating the same position for that particular joint minute after minute far longer than your body was ever meant to hold one position..  Motion keeps us flexible and to some extent young. But the stiffness of 'old age' doesn't really have to happen to the extent it does.  Improve flexibility, improve range of motion, improve circulation before it is too late (that's something I have to remind myself of these days).

 I'm thinking about learning yoga.

Lantec: Which finger do you use the track ball with? Or do you use your whole hand? I've never had a track ball mouse.

Sorry....I missed this last week.
I use my thumb (outside edge to middle of the pad near the nuckle). With my index finger on the left mouse button and my middle finger on the wheel and the ring finger on the right mouse button. Just so you know, I am VERY proficient with AutoCAD and it requires a high degree of accurate pointer movement. It's important to get your pointer movement set up right in the control panel. I set it so I can cross the entire screen with a single movement across the ball. I try to keep acceleration set in the middle. I agree with everything said here with regard to rest and breaks. It's good for all of your body and your eyes as well.