The right and the left...

[fajrdrako]

From time to time lately I've had pain in my wrist when using my mouse. A common problem, I know. Any suggestions what to do about it?

I've tried to use my left hand instead; that works pretty well, and is probably good for my left hand, which still suffers some numbness from the elbow replacement. It's a little slow and clumsy, but actually not difficult at all.

I could rest the right hand on a cushion.

I could stop using the computer so much... No, no, I couldn't do that!

Comments

[ceruleancat]

Using your left is something you should only do briefly as an emergency measure. Given the state of the elbow, you don't want to exacerbate any problems, and mouse posture is not physio for your elbow.
In general, what you should do is adopt a healthier work mode. Go read up on the correct ergonomic postures with a computer and about relief exercising that should be done on a regular basis (I rec http://ergocise.com/download.html for the latter). Given the elbow issue, you might want to consult someone to check if any of the general stuff should be avoided.

[fajrdrako]

It never occurred to me that using my left hand might cause an eblow problem... Hmm, good point. The ergocise program looks useful - already downloaded, and thank you - and I plan to get one of those gel things when I can afford it.

[ceruleancat]

Ignore the merchandising. You don't need a gel thing. You need a soft comfy support at the right height. Anything would work. A rolled up towel or t-shirt. Focus on learning the right posture in terms of heights and distances and keeping a relaxed, easy movement for all muscles and joints.

[fajrdrako]

Nice to hear I don't need a gel thing! I can manage a rolled-up towel. The problem with posture is my tendency to lean forward to get the focal length right with the monitor. What I should do, of course, is just move the monitor so it's in the right place.