Mouse = PAIN........... help :(

[skitten78]

fellow graphics peeps,

a few years ago I noticed a LOT of pain in my hand while using the mouse. This seemed pretty uncommon, as most computer-associated pain is wrist related. This is in my pinkie finger, and all along that side of my hand. It feels better when I stretch the finger out, almost to the point of slightly bending it backwards (i.e. the "wrong" way).

I started switching over to my left hand a few years ago, and now go back and forth- but the pain never did go away. So finally after 3 or more years (I know, I know), I made an appointment to see a hand specialist. Unfortunately the appointment isn't for another week.

He'll probably suggest something for me- but in the meantime I've figured out that the pain comes from *gripping* the mouse- not clicking. I've noticed I primarily use my pinky for moving/lifting the mouse when I need to.

Has anyone else had this problem? I haven't been able to talk to anyone who has. People have suggested track balls and tablets and things, but I don't want to go investing in a bunch of things that might not solve the problem. Just wondering what everyone uses and if they have the same problem.

Thanks.

[Genesis F5]

Three very unpleasant words (when combined) : Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Don't use your wrist. Keep your wrist locked and only move the forearm around. If you have to, get a mouse with the trackball ontop of it.

From a lot of guitar / piano and computer related work, I sometimes get this feeling in my wrist that feels like the muscle on the underside is tightening really tight and a lot of pain ensues.

Take it easy, and try to exercise it a bit.

[silverx2]

do a search for carpal tunnel, some thing like this that last longer then 6 months require surgery.

[skitten78]

But I've been told it isn't carpal tunnel because my wrist feels fine. I have no problems in the wrist whatsoever. (I did when I was younger and they thought it was carpal tunnel, turns out it was a big ol' cyst that showed up years later that they had to take out.)



To pinpoint the pain, it is actually in the knucle of my pinky finger, where it joins to my hand... Right there.

[Markp.com]

You're all homos... Carpal doesn't exist... its just people complaining... I use a mouse almost 24/7, play guitar, wave at people and I'm fine...

Have you ever thought of changing your mouse?

[silverx2]

carpal tunnel normaly foor me at least feels a little like my hand is swollen, i have less hand strength, horrible grip, and im unable to my a fist, normally i can feel it coming on and over night it will be in full effect and normally will last about a week at the most, but like i said sometimes if it lasts 6 months or longer they going to want to operate on your hand/wrist its normaly a one day thing with no overnight.

[skitten78]

i've considered trackball or tablet, but didnt want to go investing in them (wasting money) if others had the same problem and it didn't help.


Is anyone reading my original post? LMAO....

just kidding! -sort of.

[Genesis F5]

You're all homos...

Takes one to know one... [/grade school]

[Markp.com]

Takes one to know one... [/grade school]

Who ever smealt it dealt it!

[Genesis F5]

I am rubber, you are glue. Whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you.

[jAQUAN]

can start from the floor up. Make sure, when sitting at the comp. Everything is at 90 degrees. ankles, knees, hips, and elbows. Should be a straight line from elbow to middle finger tip.

[skitten78]

Hmmm... soooooo curling up in a ball would be unacceptable.

[silverx2]

maby you broke your pinky, ever think of that hotshot?

[hurricaneone]

Hmmm... soooooo curling up in a ball would be unacceptable.

OK, here's a prescrip for some Lithium - and try a new mouse.

I've had some that I couldn't use, threw 'em in the trash and got lucky with the next one.

Then I bought a new mouse.

Ba doom doom tish.

I got a million of 'em.

Problem us that you don't know which one is right for you until you're not hurting affter three days of continuous use.

[skitten78]

maby you broke your pinky, ever think of that hotshot?

LMAO- I actually was afraid it was something like that, I made myself a ghetto splint out of a broken spoon on my desk so I didn't use my pinky all day. Then the pain went into my ring finger, doing the same grip that the pinky had done...

**** maybe I broke them all.

hehe.

[nordberg]

hmmm, my pinky never touches my mouse.
my ring finger sits on the right side panel, near the front of the mouse.
when i lift or move the mouse, i use it and my thumb...my pinky is kind of off in no-man's land.

if that doesn't work, it's obviously a good case for amputation.
good luck!

[silverx2]

LMAO- I actually was afraid it was something like that, I made myself a ghetto splint out of a broken spoon on my desk so I didn't use my pinky all day. Then the pain went into my ring finger, doing the same grip that the pinky had done...

**** maybe I broke them all.

hehe.

does your hand feel swollen even if its not really swollen?

[argonauta]

you might want to buy some playboy magazines so you can give your hands some exercise!

[skitten78]

silverx2- it doesn't feel swollen actually... just that knuckle area kind of burns.



argonauta- as for the playboys... I don't actually remember ever having looked at one, and even though the chicks are smokin hot and all, since i'm not a lesbian they just don't do it for me in "that" way.

and... i'll end the whole "exercise" discussion right there before i get kicked off the board.

[argonauta]

oh u a girl....