RSI/Carpal Tunnel Syndrome help

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Been suffering from pain in both hands for some time but hoped it would go away. Finally went to hospital as my left arm was numb and they confirmed what I suspected in that I have RSI or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It's been getting worse over the last few month. I have to go to my GP and then for a test so pretty gutted about now. Anyone in the same boat and any tips on equipment to help as I don't want to fork out for crap that isn't going to help. Are Trackball's and Gel Rest's any good?

 

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Gel rests are actually misused. When typing, you should have your wrists raised, not resting on them. Resting your wrists is a sure fire way to get RSI, or make it worse if you have it.

http://www.rsi.deas.harvard.edu/preventing.html

 

Can't offer any immediate advice, I do have a minor muscle twinge in my shoulder from too many years of working with my head twisted looking at a monitor in the corner though, the only way to avoid it is by picking a perfect straight on seating position.

I have been keeping an eye on the development of these though: http://www.trulyergonomic.com/ - I prefer ergo keyboards but could never find one better than the original MS Natural Elite - I did try a MS Ergo 4000 but now I can see the layout diagram on that site it makes sense why my fingers never settled correctly.

 

Cheers for the info guys. Think I'm going to look into a trackball as a starting point.

 

Trackballs are fantastic for RSI, something like a logitech marble mouse or kensington to one as well (in fact im using it now it looks a bit like a hovering spaceship). Also you might want to think about an ergonomic keyboard as they will help as well. As Fergal says (not BM) it does not help having wrist rests that you actually rest your wrist on as its still squashing/streching the tendons etc in your wrist, your wrist needs to hover and ideally your palm too but not quite so much of an issue if it does not.

You should also get your resident workstation assesor to give you an assessment (cant think of what its called at the moment which is embarrasing cause I used to be one). Then you can get work to pay for your new goodies!

 

Cheers Dales think you sold me on the trackball and will have a look into keyboards as well. Can't get work to do it as I'm a contractor but at least I can get tax relief off the equipment which is better than nothing. It's a sad day to think my PC gaming days might be over I think playing Diablo 3 when it comes out would finish off my career.

 

DSEasy?

 

DSE (doesn't sit easily) thats the fellow!

 

Sorry to hear about your hands Michael, the wife had Carpal Tunnel in both hands and she had to go for an op.. She was bandaged up for a couple of weeks then when she got them off the numbness was gone but she stills gets pain now and again depending on what she's doing. I would probably try the trackball also, as I've got a gel rest but it does nothing for me Regarding your gaming days being over I know how you feel as I've got tendonitis (too many nights playing black ops lol) it's painful at times after a heavy session
Anyway best of luck and let us know what the doc says

 

I had the same problem never found out if it was RSI or Carpal tunnel. I found ibruprofen make the ache ease off, massage from the wrist to the elbow helped to and stretching, with your hand flat, palm up pull your fingers towards your elbow and hold for a good minute or so. It did take 6 months to clear up

 

Cheers for the info guys. I will keep you informed.

 

Been to the Doc's and got to go for a nerve test at hospital.