For all I know, we might have several doctors among us... or for that matter someone who's gone through what I'm going through. I'm looking for any suggestions... It started maybe 6-8 months ago. My "mouse hand" started aching a little bit towards the end of every day. I'm an engineer, and spend 8 hours a day at a computer running autocad... and plenty of time at home on the computer as well, especially back when I was doing alot of clocks. Anyways, my mouse hand started aching in the wrist area. As usuall, I ignored it and delt with it. It started getting somewhat severe about a month ago so I had my boss buy me a cordless mouse so I could switch hands through the day. Now my right hand hurts much worse, and my left hand is starting to hurt. ou: I finally broke down and went to my doctor (who only sees me about once every other year) a couple days ago. He said it definately wasn't carpal tunnel, but it was some form of tendonitis(sp?) His cure? "Stop doing what I'm doing" Well... that can't happen. So he gave me a prescription for pain pills and said to quit using my hands, use heat/ice and wraps every night ...etc... It's only been a few days, but it's getting worse.. not better. It seems to be getting much worse very fast. The back of my hands and fingers hurt every time I grab a mouse (or type a long winded post like this one), and it's through my wrists and part way up my arms. I also ordered an electronic tablet and pen to use instead of a mouse. I figured "it doesn't hurt to write, so maybe this will help". Well.. it came today and it's worse than a mouse. There's $80 I'll never see again. ou: p Anyways... anyone have anything like this happen to them? If so, what have you done to help yourself? Thanks in advance. :beer
I'm presently in a walking leg cast for tendonitis in my right ankle. One month total time with alittle less than 2 mths to go. Sometimes, immobilization is the best route for healing. Did your doc x-ray and/or do an MRI? Sometimes, that is needed to confirm what's really happening. Cortisone injections are sometimes used but are painful! I know someone who recently got a cortisone injection in the elbow and said it was among the most painful things experienced. Do you have the ergonomic mouse (looks like a joystick and uses thumb on top and rotation movement) and keyboards? My co-worker uses these and says it helps. Anti-inflammitories are used (both prescription and OTC) to help out. Another option for you may be physical therapy. If you feel you need a second medical opinion, by all means get it. I wish you best of luck.
I have had the same thing over the years. Once I got it on my arm after going nuts trying to clear a feild next to my yard. Your tendons are inflamed and you need to see a physical therapist. I can't say enough about mine, he has helped me through carpal tunnel's, heel spurs, tennis elbow, rotator cuff, and through application of ice, heat, electro stim and ultra sound I feel much better. I had to go once a week for nearly 6 months each time but it was worth it.:bglasses:
Rick, Seek out a specialist. I feel your pain, I too have suffered from that pain, mine turned out to be Ulner (sp?)Nerve damage, it's a nerve that runs through the elbow to the wrist. I got mine from working at a grocery store, scanning things does lots of damage. I had to take 6 weeks off of work , wear an elbow brace, wrist brace & had to do P.T. for a while. I popped Advil like they were M&Ms. What really stunk was it was my left arm & of course I'm left handed. Pillows under my elbow always helped, heat & ice did nothing, try wrapping your wrist or elbow in an ace bandage, snug but not to snug. Hope this helps is some way. I feel for ya buddy. Take care, Beth
Get another oppinion. The whole mess I am in started with the same pain that you have. Besides tendonitis you could have any one of the following repetative stress injuries (RSIs). Carpal Tunnel Syndrom Guyans Canal Syndrom Cubital Tunnel Syndrom Thoracic Outlet Syndrom All of these involve either nerve and or blood vessel impingement at the areas of the hand, wrist, elbow or thoracic region. Tendonitis is often blanket diagnosed by family doctors that are either to lazy to get involved with further testing or in some cases don't believe in RSI type injuries. Sadly, there are plenty of doctors like this. I have alot of experience with this crap as I have been getting diagnosed and mis-diagnosed and have had 3 surgeries ( 2 more on the way ) for this over the past 2 years.
My wife is off work and in physical therapy right now for tendonitis in her elbow and shoulder. A friend at work just got back from carpal tunnel surgery, sounds a lot like what your experiencing. The pain that started in his wrist ended all the way up in his shoulder before they properly diagnosed him. I think I'd get another opinion. I think Dr.'s are under a lot of pressure to get you in and out of the office on the cheap anymore. I know my insurance(Aetna) tends to dispute every little thing they don't think is justified. Our health care system is getting really bad. :blast:
Rick or Mel, I suffered through this myself doing just what you do. As Mike P. said: Seek out a specialist. It can be one of several conditions. Most likely (and I know you don't want to hear this) several weeks of immobilization and some physical therapy will be the outcome. Good luck with this and please DO NOT let any doctor talk you into cortisone shots. Been there, done that. NFG!!!
The suffix "itis" = inflamation. Thus tendonitis is in a broad sense inflamation of a tendon. Carpal tunnel syndrome is inflamation of the tendon that runs through the carpal tunnel which is in the wrist. Both conditions can be caused by repetitive motion. In a sense when the tendonitis is in that area of the wrist it is also called carpal tunnel syndrome. A hallmark symptom is noctural numbness in the digits or palm. The condition can also be idiopathic. For example, it is often seen in pregnant women. Typical treatments are anti inflamatory drugs, ending the offending repetitive motion, lessening it with ergonomic mods for the upper extremities and in the worse case a surgical release. Even with surgical intervention I have seen it recur if the person resumes the activity that brought it on in the first place. One country cousin, among many, is epicondylitis which is sometimes called tennis or pitchers elbow. Same principle involved with the stress focused in another joint.
$289 would be a small price to pay if I KNEW it would fix me, AND I would be able to work just as fast as I can now. So far everything I've tried (gel pads, LH mouse, pen&tablet..etc) has still caused pain AND has slowed me up terribly because they feel "clunky" (for lack of a better term) I really appreciate all the replies! I've done a bit of searching on "ergonomic mice" (including the joystick thingy) Looks like there's alot to choose from. I wish there was a place I could go and do a little "hands on" with several types to see if any of them suit me. But with that said... as long as they're comfortable, I'm sure I can get used to something "clunky". I've been doing this Autocad thing since 1989 and I've VERY used to a regular 2 button scroll mouse. I don't like the sound of many of the replies though. I don't see how our company would survive if I couldn't draw for several weeks. Not tooting my own horn or anything... but I'm the ONLY engineer and I run a whole division of the company. It sounds like many of you only recovered after NOT using the inflamed muscles for awhile. But I guess if you were telling me only what I wanted to hear.... you woulnd't be helping me out much. :laugh: Thanks again for the replies. I'm going to keep researching. :TU: :beer PS... I think the foot thing might take some getting used to though! LOL
Specialist you would need would be an Orthopedist and/or Physical Therapist. Yes, the foot thing is quite a set back. It stopped me dead in my tracks from running and USTA tennis. Suffering some psychological withdrawals due to not being able to do these. You can get addicted to those you know. Driving is an experience. I'm left foot braking like many NASCAR drivers do. I tell folks to keep way ahead of me since I could be erratic in my braking abilities. Left foot on brake sure beats clunky cast sandle and leg anchor which hamper things. Can't wait until 03/02 when it comes off BUT I've entertained thoughts of getting the dremel cut off wheel on that thing before that date!!
I was actually talking about the foot mouse (mice?). p But yes, ankle problems and a leg cast would definately take a getting used to as well. I'd rather have the foot mouse. In life in general, I'd rather have problems with my wrists, but specifically talking about my profession (and guitar playing), I'd rather have leg problems. Good luck to you! :beer
Does anyone else primarily use their laptop for their computer? Most of my scrolling and clicking is done differently. I can swipe my finger down the right side of the touchpad to scroll. I tap the pad to click and double click, or sometimes I use my left index on the left button for this function. It seems like the wrist action is much less this way, but the tradeoff is more is happening with my index fingers.
I use 2 laptops at work for PLC programming. They both have the touchpads on them. I can't stand them. I feel like an idiot when I'm trying to use those things. I keep a USB mouse in each laptop case. But since you mentioned them... I've seen several touchpads made for PC's tonight while researching ergonomic mice. But I'm afraid I'll dislike it just as much as my laptops. Maybe I should use my laptops for awhile even for Autocad. Maybe the touchpads will take a liking to me. o No: btw.. Mechacode... I have been trying to use my left hand at work and at home. Now it's starting to hurt too.
The only thing I can think of that might help without stopping use would be to buy one of those wrist guards that they use in bowling that keep the wrist straight and using one on each hand/wrist while typing.
Hi , from my exprience with bi-lateral cts and medial nerve problems. Everthing they say about a PT is true. Specialist will want to cut first ask questions later.At least with a PT you will get the egro. about your job. I use a voice comand on my PC, 80% of the time. Get a hot wax dip for your wrist,this was the best thing that I bought. Good luck.
Have you tried a track ball? I have an ergonomic one they don't make anymore. Got it because of space concerns, not wrist problems. However, a few professors where I work have gotten trackballs for similar problems and they say it helps. They also tried those ergonomic keyboards (keys grouped into halves that are tilted and rotated slightly). I don't know how well these work, but its an idea. For autocad work, I have seen (online) some interesting rotary controllers. Sorry, I forget the web page, but a Google search might help.
