In a message dated 01-01-28 02:34:50 EST, you write:
>
> Well, it's official, I am now an initiated computer programmer. I now
wear
> a
> wrist brace on my right arm whenever I am using the computer (even just
for
> short usage). This is to stop and hopefully revert the condition in my
> wrist. Recently, I have been experiencing a fair amount of pain in my
right
>
> wrist. This after only 8 months at this programming job, though I have
been
>
> working all but the last 2 weeks with a non-ergonomic keyboard, and a
plain,
>
> ordinary mouse, on a less than ideal workstation (if you can call it a
> workstation). The headaches I used to get are gone, and I am not losing
my
> vision (as I feared I might), but this wrist issue is not good. My wrists
> are not exactly normal as it is... the ligaments and/or tendons are not as
> tight as they should be because I can move my wrist into and out of
position
>
> with respects to the bones in my forearms. This is a freaky party trick,
> but
> leads to serious problems when long term working conditions are not
> ergonomic. I like the wrist brace, but trying to use a normal mouse with
it
>
> caused my forearm to cramp up after work. Aside from using a trackball
> instead of a mouse, what might those of you who have had experience with
> such
> things recommend to help my wrist? I know I should go to a doctor about
> this, but can't really afford that right now. I will go as soon as I can
> afford it, but until I can, I would appreciate any helpful suggestions
> anyone
> might have.
> Thanks,
> Michael Harney
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
OK, the short version for now. Several peices for you to chew on.
First warning signs of a problem are symptoms that come only under
high use situations and are transitory. Second level warning signs are
when the symptoms become consistent and you can begin to identify
patterns, and so on.
A doc is a good idea, but you may also be able to see a Certified
Hand Specialist (this is what I rec'd to DB several years ago). It is
a specific credential (CHT). They can be PTs or OTs (physical
therapists or occupational therapists), and in the majority of
states PTs can directly eval and treat without an MD order (but
refer you to MD if indicated). I am unsure if OTs can do this.
There is a good ergonomics post I got today I will forward to you on
pause breaks (slowly becoming one of the best strategies to manage
situations of high stress when used well). (Actually I will forward to the
list for everyone).
Braces... well, sometimes they help quiet one pissed off area, but the
movement *has* to come from somewhere. Sometimes people with hand
problems can be weak through the shoulders to start with and be
overcompensating which lends to the wrists hurting. Tough to know
where to start, but generally look at your workstation and *how you
interact* with it. If you can find a copy of the Putz-Anderson book on
Culmulative Trauma Disorders in the library I would rec'd it. Also some
state OSHA depts have free (one copy) manuals that are pretty good on
CTDs also called MSDs now. (There should have been a reference
here to a NC Dept of Labor site for worker ed, but it has been altered
over the past month or so. I downloaded some of the guts if you are
interested.)
That should get you started. You have a few more DECADES with these
hands and they are your resources (nag mode off).
Take care,
Dee
