Save My Hands

[lilyxsev]

I've adjusted where my keyboard sits, bought a new ergonomic keyboard and mouse that my boyfriend suggested, but it's not making the constant dull and achy pains go away. I was taking some arthritis pain reliever and that helped for a while but now it does absolutely nothing. And while both hands hurt my right hand (my mouse hand) seems to hurt 10x worse then my left. If I can't get the pains to subside I will go to the doctors, but does anyone have any suggests? I would geatly appreciate it.

I'm sorry I completely posted this is the wrong area. You can ignore it.

[danasurvey]

I thought I'd still try to help. This is probably an issue that affects a lot of work at home moms, or at least some.

I've seen some people wear a wrist brace. Also, you can get a little pad that you rest your wrist on while you are using the mouse. It forces you to keep your wrist straighter. I am not sure what it's called though.

And also taking a break from time to time is a good idea as well, but I know that's not always possible.

And you may want to see your DR about it too.

Good luck and hope your wrist feels better.

[AndrewW]

Even if you can't take a break at least move your hand off the mouse on occasion so it isn't just constantly making the same motions.

[Love4Books]

How about getting Dragon Naturally Speaking? Lots of writers use the software. It's not as fast if you're used to typing 80+ wpm, but once you have it 'trained' to your voice, then it should be reasonable.

It'll save your wrists a great deal.

[ushi]

If you do a great deal of writing, you may want to consider speech recognition software. It allows you to speak your text--and it types it for you on your computer. One option is Dragon Naturally Speaking. (Only works with PC--not MAC) Good luck--hope you get some relief!

[NancyMac]

I find they are a light compression glove and they allow me to type and do not feel pain . I have two types ..one pair has finger but open end for touch on the keyboard..
the other pair has no fingers..
they have been a life saver for me as I have chronic pain in both hands.

I have used a text to speech ,but it takes a while to get used to using the software and if you have an accent..funny.
the text to speech would type some pretty funny entries.
I did use it when I was a csr using a chat program it helped a lot.

[Helena1]

you've gotten great advice so far, so the only additional recommendation is a good quality chair w/adjustable arm rests. I didn't have hand pain, but I had shoulder and arm pain from having no support for my arms. Hope something works and you feel better soon.