# Carpal Tunnel due to Computer Use: What Can You Do? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 10, 2013, 7:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carpal-tunnel-due-to-computer-use-what-can-you-do/663111 "2013-07-10T07:53:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Lukeinva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lukeinva/32/17872_2.png) [@Lukeinva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lukeinva)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2013, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carpal-tunnel-due-to-computer-use-what-can-you-do/663111/21 "2013-07-10T16:33:43Z")
> [@kayT](#): > > I had surgery 8 or 9 years ago. I tried hand braces, moving from a track ball to a mouse, using a touch pad instead, yada yada. The pain got so bad I could not sleep. The surgery was outpatient, and literally on the way home from the hospital I discovered the pain was gone. I have never had a moment of pain or tingling fingers since. If it gets bad, have the surgery! I recommend finding someone who has done a lot of them and getting it fixed once and for all. What surgery? Could you please describe? The mouse does not affect my wrist, rather it is the big knuckle on my index finger from clicking. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2013, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carpal-tunnel-due-to-computer-use-what-can-you-do/663111/22 "2013-07-10T17:30:02Z")
First of all, I started using a port replicator aka docking station and monitor instead of using my laptop. The touchpad on the laptop was killing me. Attached to that are: An ergonomic keyboard aka a split keyboard, which is angled so that your arms and wrists are naturally angled. > **[Amazon.com: Fellowes Microban Split Design Wired Keyboard, Dark Gray -...](https://www.amazon.com/Fellowes-Microban-Split-Design-Keyboard/dp/B0002CE0XO)** > > Buy Fellowes Microban Split Design Wired Keyboard, Dark Gray - FEL9891503: Keyboards - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases A joystick-type mouse. I get occasional odd looks, but it works great. > **[Amazon.com: 3M Wired Ergonomic Optical Mouse, Patented Vertical Grip Design...](https://www.amazon.com/3M-Ergonomic-Patented-Compatibility-EM500GPS/dp/B000F2BP7U)** > > Buy 3M Wired Ergonomic Optical Mouse, Patented Vertical Grip Design Keeps Your Hand and Wrist at a Neutral Angle for Comfort, USB/PS2 Plug and Play Compatibility, 6.5' Cord, Small Size, Black (EM500GPS): Everything Else - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY... ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2013, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carpal-tunnel-due-to-computer-use-what-can-you-do/663111/23 "2013-07-10T18:25:01Z")
**Lukeinva** there’s a good description of the surgery I had [here](http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/open-carpal-tunnel-surgery-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrome). I have about a 1" scar on my palm which interestingly enough basically extends my lifeline down to my wrist. (Will I live longer?) I had about 4 stitches. They were taken out after one week. I was back at work in two days but many of the notes I wrote wrong-handed were pretty useless. Most frustrating thing was not being able to wash my hair very well and having to do so many things wrong-handed. I think I had full recovery in about two weeks. Never had weakness or any other pain or tingling. The thing about the mouse and your wrist is the angle at which you hold your hand while mousing. Talk to your doctor for a clearer explanation. ---
**Author:** ![LMarie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c68b51/32.png) [@LMarie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LMarie)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2013, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carpal-tunnel-due-to-computer-use-what-can-you-do/663111/24 "2013-07-10T18:27:11Z")
I rest my hand as much as possible when the pain starts and also exercise it: [http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2006/06/programming-your-hands.html](http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2006/06/programming-your-hands.html) ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2013, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carpal-tunnel-due-to-computer-use-what-can-you-do/663111/25 "2013-07-10T18:30:38Z")
I’m left-handed and have used the mouse right-handed since they came in. No problems so far. ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2013, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carpal-tunnel-due-to-computer-use-what-can-you-do/663111/26 "2013-07-10T22:55:44Z")
I switched to mousing left handed over a decade ago. My left hand still doesn’t hurt. If I go back to my right hand, it hurts after a week or so. I have no explanation for that. ---
**Author:** ![Askance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/askance/32/8281_2.png) [@Askance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askance)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carpal-tunnel-due-to-computer-use-what-can-you-do/663111/27 "2013-07-11T04:36:34Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > This is not a good long-term solution. I did this (except I switched from left to right) and began to get twinges again after a while. That’s because of what I said above: keyboards extend significantly further to the right than the left, so your arm is at a less natural angle when the mouse is on the right. > [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](#): > > I switched to mousing left handed over a decade ago. My left hand still doesn’t hurt. If I go back to my right hand, it hurts after a week or so. > > I have no explanation for that. See above 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2013, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carpal-tunnel-due-to-computer-use-what-can-you-do/663111/28 "2013-07-12T03:35:33Z")
> [@Askance](#): > > That’s because of what I said above: keyboards extend significantly further to the right than the left, so your arm is at a less natural angle when the mouse is on the right. > See above 🙂 Just because YOU have an explanation doesn’t mean I do! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![DvorJaques](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3e96dc/32.png) [@DvorJaques](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DvorJaques)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2013, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carpal-tunnel-due-to-computer-use-what-can-you-do/663111/29 "2013-07-12T14:52:19Z")
I switched to use a [Kenesis](http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/contoured.htm) contour keyboard. This keyboard has an advantage in that the numpad is embedded so it is narrower than other keyboards and the mouse can be placed closer to the centre of your body. The embedded numpad is tricky to use, I guess you would eventually get used to it, but I have never had to so I just never turn it on. I think people get repetitive strain injuries for different reasons, I can’t imagine getting any relief from a regular ergonomic keyboard since your wrists are at an angle, and your hand has to twist to get to the delete key etc. But for some people they solve the issue completely go figure. When I was pregnant the wrist problems resurfaced and I started using a [touchpad mouse](http://www.cirque.com/desktoptouchpad/touchpad-mouse-overview.aspx), I used a wrist rest but put the bottom of my hand on the wrist rest so that my hand was comfortable with my fingers dropping down to the mouse pad. Then I turned the sensitivity way up so that I could use the mouse with only tiny movements of my fingers. It worked really well, but imo a touchpad mouse will always be inferior to a regular mouse so I’m happy to be back using a regular mouse. Another important thing to check is that your posture is good, my work paid for an ergonomic evaluation and the lady performing it told me that you want to be all right angles when typing. So right angles at your ankles, knees, hips and elbows. For me that means using a keyboard tray so that my feet can rest comfortably on the ground (I’m pretty short), for taller people that can mean using monitor risers so that you can look straight ahead at your monitor(s). For people somewhere in the middle, or with long or short torsos a foot rest may be necessary. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2013, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carpal-tunnel-due-to-computer-use-what-can-you-do/663111/30 "2013-07-12T23:22:14Z")
Make sure it is actually carpal tunnel, spending too much time at a computer can also cause muscles of the neck and chest like the anterior scalenes or the pectoralis minors to become too tight, which can compress the nerves leading into your hands. So stretch those muscles too, that could be causing or contributing to your problem. Aside from that, a trackball is likely a good investment. So is one of these, but I think they are cheaper than $80. > **[Amazon.com : Launchpad Professional Palm Rest Posturing System for Use with...](https://www.amazon.com/Launchpad-Professional-Posturing-Trackballs-Touchpads/dp/B003FOBJTE)** > > Amazon.com : Launchpad Professional Palm Rest Posturing System for Use with Computer Mice, Trackballs and Touchpads : Computing Wrist Rests : Office Products They put the pressure on your palm instead of on your wrist when you use a mouse. ---
**Author:** ![SpoilerVirgin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@SpoilerVirgin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoilerVirgin)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2013, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carpal-tunnel-due-to-computer-use-what-can-you-do/663111/31 "2013-07-12T23:50:46Z")
> [@Askance](#): > > Moved my mouse to my left hand. It takes surprisingly little time to adjust, and it’s actually a better spot - on the right of the keyboard the mousepad is pushed out by the numeric keypad, whereas on the left it’s closer to the centreline and your forearm is in a more natural straighter angle. There is another solution to this problem, which is a keyboard tray with an [adjustable mouse pad](http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Adjust-Keyboard-Adjustable-Platform-AKT150LE/dp/B001B0F1BQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1373672740&sr=8-2&keywords=3m+keyboard+tray) that can be moved over the numeric keypad so the mouse is in the correct position. It is expensive, but totally worth it. After going several rounds with my employer, I finally ordered it off Amazon for myself. Now the only time I ever experience pain in my mousing hand or wrist, it’s because the mouse pad has been knocked out of alignment. ---
**Author:** ![Lanzy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/74df32/32.png) [@Lanzy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lanzy)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carpal-tunnel-due-to-computer-use-what-can-you-do/663111/32 "2013-07-14T00:52:23Z")
> [@kayT](#): > > I’m surprised to hear that you lost grip strength. Did your doctor have any idea why that happened? I know some people who say they lost flexibility but I never did. Maybe I was just lucky, but I feel like my wrist is just like it was before I ever got Carpal Tunnel. The Dr. said a small loss is normal and I would hardly notice it. However I have completely given up competing in power lifting as I can no longer hold onto the bar with what used to be fairly small weights. I can’t even get the bigger weights off the ground, my grip just slides off. A simple thing like touching my little finger to my thumb is now completely impossible. I miss by about an inch and can’t close the gap. ---
**Author:** ![Noodles\_Fellicini](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e36b37/32.png) [@Noodles\_Fellicini](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noodles_Fellicini)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carpal-tunnel-due-to-computer-use-what-can-you-do/663111/33 "2013-07-14T22:53:56Z")
Following ergonomic safety recommendations (90 degree bend in elbow, wrists flat, seat not cutting into the back of your legs, monitor at eye level, etc.), drinking plenty of water (soda, tea and coffee doesn’t count), and massage, in particular myofascial release, for healthy circulation. So very very much you can do with massage to alleviate symptoms, prevent future damage, and avoid surgery. ---
**Author:** ![slowlearner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@slowlearner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slowlearner)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2013, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carpal-tunnel-due-to-computer-use-what-can-you-do/663111/34 "2013-07-15T00:16:48Z")
My carpal tunnel was diagnosed by a neurologist. You should try a medical acupuncturist as your 1st treatment option (not a chiropractor or an acupuncture clinic but an MD who includes acupuncture in her practice) because it is cheap, \*does no harm,\*and is actually for some reason effective in some cases, like mine. That failing get the best stinking hand surgeon you can find to fix it, they’ve gotten to where it’s better than 50-50 you’ll have significant improvement. And don’t try to do it on the cheap through worker’s comp unless in a state that allows you to choose your own DR, unlike down here y’all in Gov Perry’s bidness friendly Texas… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carpal-tunnel-due-to-computer-use-what-can-you-do/663111.md?page=1)