Slashdot Mirror


Input Solutions for Repetitive Stress Victims?

simiproject asks: "I provide IT consulting for a 30-person organization. Recently, I have been trying to find an acceptable keyboard/mouse solution for a staff member who experiences sharp pains in her thumb, hand and arm when using her mouse. She had been using one of those 3M joystick mice and felt it only made her situation worse since it required even more extension of her thumb. Holding a pen or stylus won't work since that requires gripping. I switched her to a trackball mouse and that helped a little but not much. However, trying to find a solution that doesn't require using the thumb is like shopping in a bizarro world where we just didn't evolve with that opposing digit. I'd be interested in what practical input solutions Slashdot has for a computer user with limited hand mobility. Voice recognition? Laptop-like touch pads (I've looked but haven't found any)?"

59 of 415 comments (clear)

  1. Re:The answer is Foot Mouse by humphrm · · Score: 4, Informative

    They might ask you the URL, mighten they? http://www.footmouse.com/

    --
    -- "In order to have power, I must be taken seriously." -Mojo Jojo
  2. Uniqueness limits solutions. by DeadMilkman · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Same sorta thing came up with my supervisor...

    Long story short....He had to relearn how he used his mouse to avoid problems.

    It came to this because quite frankly no one designed something to suit his individual finger mobilty limit, mainly due to the fact that just about everyone in this situation is unique, each having their own limits, tonerances, and ability.

    1. Re:Uniqueness limits solutions. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

      i hope that was a joke - if not, you are one evil . . . . I hope that you never find out what its like to have RSI and get fired.

    2. Re:Uniqueness limits solutions. by umghhh · · Score: 2, Interesting

      that nobody will ever complain again is obvious after all - you can get fired if you do. This solves the problem. bravo! //

    3. Re:Uniqueness limits solutions. by nickname225 · · Score: 3, Informative

      I am an attorney (although this is not my area of practice), and this sounds like a clear violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The act generally requires employers to make reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities and under no circumstances does it allow an employee to be fired BECAUSE of a disability. What qualifies as a disability that requires accommodation is constantly evolving in the courts - but repetitive stress certainly qualifies. Your company is lucky that this manager did not sue.

  3. simple, but aggrivating by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Switch mousing hands, worked like a charm for me. While I'll never be as fast or accurate now that I'm a lefty, it's more than adequate for typical office software. I did have to give up the FPSes though.

    She could go for the reflective dot on the forhead and webcam tracking software, but this was too geeky even for me. Check her Star Trek quotient before impelmenting.

  4. How? by addaon · · Score: 4, Informative

    How did you not manage to find any laptop-like touch pads? Did it occur to you to go to this awesome new site, type in "touch pads", and click "I'm feeling lucky"? You would have gotten here.

    --

    I've had this sig for three days.
  5. Fixed mine within 1 week. by Meor · · Score: 2, Informative
    1. Re:Fixed mine within 1 week. by x4A6D74 · · Score: 2, Informative
      Yep. The Vertical Mouse is wonderful. I'd also recommend one of these: http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/contoured.htm. It's also very important to make sure they're at the right height. Having your keyboard/mouse too high (as most desks are) leads to wrist problems fast. For me, this meant buying a good office chair and then building a desk (I wanted a really odd shape, too) with an adjustable keyboard tray (I got mine from www.humanscale.com, but there are cheaper options available).

      That whole process knocked out my problems in about a month (a month of heavy coding, even). It ain't cheap, but it's cheaper than surgery. --0x4a6d74

  6. Links for trackpads by bfree · · Score: 4, Informative

    adesso
    cirque

    Just the first two found from a googling. Trackpad or touchscreen would seem the obvious solutions to me.
    --

    Never underestimate the dark side of the Source

  7. Marble Mouse by internic · · Score: 4, Informative

    Logitech makes a sort of trackball they call a "marble mouse". Perhaps it's the kind you've already tried, but I thought it was worth a mention. You can see some info from their site. The bottom line it that it's a trackball that you operate with your index (and/or middle) finger rather than your thumb (as is traditional). I still use my thumb to click buttons, but it's a lot less work. If that's an issue, you can probably configure the computer to reverse left and right clicks, which would make the action even less frequent. I found it a bit akward to use at first, but I got used to it pretty quickly.

    --
    "You call it a new way of thinking; I call it regression to ignorance!" -- Operation Ivy
    1. Re:Marble Mouse by Bastian · · Score: 2, Informative

      This relates to a question that pops to my mind - what kind of trackball? I can think of three kinds, all of which involve/allow very different motion. There's the marble mouse style, which the parent just mentioned. There's also another Logitech trackball that you manipulate with your thumb. From my own personal experience (mousing gave me a minor case of tendonitis) this is the worst kind of trackball for people with RSI - it made mine worse instead of better in the long run.

      The third kind is the classic - the nice Kensington models with the cueball-size trackball. I use one now and love it - the large ball is the key, it's big enough that you can use a variety of motions to manipulate it, anything from a thumb to moving from the elbow and keeping your fingers and wrist more or less stationary. It's pricey, but from my expeirence it's a far better buy than any of the $$$ ergo mice that are out there.

  8. Keyboards by enmane · · Score: 2, Informative

    I find most desktop keyboards are subpar and almost all laptop keyboards to be horrible.

    Here's what I use and as a sufferer of RSS, I highly recommend the Goldtouch keyboards

    http://www.sforh.com/keyboards/split.html

    I use one with my laptop and it is great. I have also had some luck with,
    1) icing my wrists as there seems to be swelling,
    2) having a chiropractor adjust the vertebrae between my shoulder blades as they tend to get screwed up by the leaning/hunching over as my RSS is in both hands and getting my wrist bones adjusted
    3) using the split keyboard and an ergo mouse - original mouseman + (ball) which are hard to come by these days so I stocked up ;D

  9. Put the mouse on the floor by PCM2 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Seriously. He should try putting the mouse on the floor and moving it around with his foot. Manipulating mouse buttons doesn't really require a lot of manual dexterity.

    On the whole, though, this is a very tricky issue. A friend of mine has really bad repeat stress injury and there's no easy way to "fix" it. The way to get better is to cease doing the activity that messed you up to begin with. In this modern world it seems a little inconceivable that you'd go without using a computer -- perhaps for years -- but that might be what it takes. Lousy, but would he rather stay injured the rest of hia life?

    --
    Breakfast served all day!
    1. Re:Put the mouse on the floor by sumdumass · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I agree. Stopping what causes the injury is the best way of fixing it.

      I guess everyones experience would be a little diferent but here is mine and what i did to stop it. After long hours at the computer i started noticing sharp pains in my wriste and fingertips with it mostly concentrating in my thumb. I though Carpel tunnel but the doctors said nope. i started noticing that elevating the mouse pad and sitting differently in my chair helped to some degree. I also noticed if i combine this with stretching every hour or so wich includes standing and bending (don't know why) I don't have any pains at all.

      Something else I was noticing, when I used the mouse for an extended period of time, I found I was leaning forward and resting quite a bit of my body weight on the hand using the mouse. This was puting pressure between my wriste and the gell thing on the mouse pad. Even with a regular maouse pad,i noticed it against the table. I think that elevating the mouse pad to chest high stoped that and it was one of the bigest helps I had other then stretching wich i think might have helped with the leaning.

      It may be that the problem was with using the thing wrong or something (poor posture). I'm pretty much good to go with those simple changes.

    2. Re:Put the mouse on the floor by PCM2 · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Likewise, I always have to remove the arms from my office chair. Whenever I get a new chair it's always the same. It might be a few months before I start to notice that I'm slumping into the arms of the chair, putting all my weight onto my elbows, and it starts to give me pains in my arms. Remove the arms of the chair and I can't do that anymore. Everyone's mileage varies, but that's one I have to do.

      Something else a lot of people don't understand is that the word "ergonomic," as it's applied to office furniture, is frequently abused and is often totally meaningless. I once had an office with a desk where I would bang my knees into the top of the desk every time I would roll my chair into it. I called the company facilities people to raise the desk but they were really reluctant to do that because, they claimed, the desk was "official ergonomic height." In the end they actually took a saw and sawed off the part of the desk I was banging my legs into, rather than give me a higher desk.

      Now, think about that for a second. Obviously it's totally crazy -- I'm six foot three inches tall. It would be physically impossible to have some kind of official, "ergonomically correct" desk height that would suit me the same as it would a five foot tall person.

      Not to mention the fact that ANY kind of activity or posture that you take repeatedly can be the cause of repeat stress injuries (notice that R-word in there). The ONLY type of furniture that is truly "ergonomic" is furniture that allows you to adjust your position whenever you feel like it and as often as you want. Maybe up, maybe down, maybe tilted, maybe over to the left today, maybe over to the right tomorrow. If you can adapt the position of how you sit/work to what makes your muscles, bones, tendons etc. comfortable RIGHT NOW, you're probably doing OK.

      But you will NEVER find that "magic position" into which you can place a desk and a chair and expect to be able to keep it that way every day, five days a week, 50 weeks a year, without any kind of discomfort. There is no such magic ergonomic formula. Free motion is the key, including stretching, moving around as much as possible, and adjusting the position of your furniture as often as you feel like it.

      --
      Breakfast served all day!
  10. USB Touchpad? by jrobinson5 · · Score: 2, Informative

    I don't know why you had such a hard time finding one, I found one here and here. They are somewhat expensive, but you didn't state that price was a concern. Otherwise, most old laptop touchpads have PS2 interfaces, so if you're an elite hardware hacker (or play one on TV), you could do some kind of cool mod and post it on the internet. Good luck soldering ribbon cables, though.

  11. I've been victimized! by whm · · Score: 3, Funny

    Man...victimized by a 3M joystick mouse. What is the IT world coming to?! :P

  12. Just a joke! by alshithead · · Score: 3, Funny

    Cut off her thumb! No more problem.

    --
    I reserve the right to think for myself. Others' opinions are optional. Puppy on lap = typos...not illiteracy.
  13. Vertical mouse by briskd · · Score: 3, Informative

    I have the same problem myself. After trying numerous things I've found that the Evoluent vertical Mouse 2 works, as the hand is at a completly different angle than a normal mouse, trackball or touchpad. I also use a Futuro RSI wrist strap which limits the movement in the wrist and forces me to keep it at the correct angle etc for the keyboard.

  14. Touch Pads... by Fallen+Kell · · Score: 2, Informative

    Laptop-like touch pads (I've looked but haven't found any)?

    Well, first link under the google search "touchpad mouse" found this: http://www.askergoworks.com/shopdisplayproducts.as p?id=1&subcat=76&cat=Touchpads

    The google ad supplied link was this: http://www.google.com/url?sa=L&ai=BQGSCbw63RKr6EJG gwQKrtIiuC8yp-xWQr8jTAuymrO4KkIMZCAAQAhgCKAI4AEiQO VCArantB8gBAZUCFidQCsgC8IBA&q=http://www.amazon.co m/o/redirect%3Ftag%3Damd-google-20%26path%3Dsearch -handle-url/index%3Dblended%2526field-keywords%3Dt ouchpad%2520mouse%2526results-process%3Ddefault%25 26dispatch%3Dsearch/ref%3Dpd_sl_aw_tops-1_blended_ 14183769_2

    So you can see, just using the right search term comes up with several. I know I have owned one that looks exactly like the "Easy Cat II" (it may have been the original since I have had it since 1994).

    --
    We were all warned a long time ago that MS products sucked, remember the Magic 8 Ball said, "Outlook not so good"
  15. Solution=Kinesis Keyboard+BodyBilt chair+ErgoClick by nessus42 · · Score: 2, Informative

    I haven't used this myself, but the ErgoClick uses the palm for clicking, and thus should relieve a lot of stress from the thumb.

    What's kept my RSI problems at bay for the last 13 years is the Kinesis Contoured Keyboard and a BodyBilt chair with linear tracking arms. I cannot recommend these highly enough. They have saved me from being in terrible agony every day.

    The chair is rather expensive, but certainly much cheaper than either going on disability or a Vicodin addiction. The Kinesis keyboard takes a bit of getting used to, and all my friends who I have suggested it to, have initially cursed at me over the learning curve. But all of them have also later come back to me and thanked me profusely for saving them from a life of torment.

    I know that some people also swear by the DataHand, but that requires a lot more relearning than even the Kinesis. I would have tried that next, however, if the Kinesis keyboard hadn't solved my woes.

    |>oug

  16. Re:The answer is Foot Mouse by nessus42 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Personally, when I've tried to use foot switches for clicking, I just ended up moving the problem from my hands to my knees.

    |>oug

  17. Is she holding the mouse properly? by Jotham · · Score: 5, Informative

    Simple question - Is she holding the mouse properly? (Don't take this as a condesending question - no one ever teaches people how to hold/use a mouse and ergonomics is very important - humans just aren't naturally designed to sit in chairs all day long). Pain such as this can often be caused by having the arm at the wrong angle causing the wrist to be twisted at an odd angle for long hours.

    Instead of just looking at the mouse, I'd suggest looking at her complete desk/chair/keyboard setup. Starting at the bottom and working your way up.

    Chair
    Her chair should be such that her feet comfortably touch the ground when the knees are bent at about 90 (ie. not dangling and not cramped backwards/stretched forward) and her back is straight and comfortably supported. This should then put her elbows at about level of the desk surface.

    Desk
    Get her to place her hands on the keyboard with her shoulders relaxed and her forearms should be able to rest along the desk surface (alot of people have their keyboard too close cramping up their shoulders and causing the elbows to stick out and wrists to be twisted... move the keyboard back towards the monitor until its at a good comfortable length). Do the same for the mouse and get her to hold it.

    Mouse
    Since her arm is now relaxed and stretched out, the base of the mouse should rest under the palm of the hand, with the base of the palm resting on the mousepad, so the fingers naturally stretch forward over the buttons. Alot of people hold mice incorrectly from above and then move it with their wrist. The wrist shouldn't actually move much (it wiggles a bit) but most of the movement actually coming from small movements of the elbow/shoulder (which translate to larger movements of the forearm which transfer through the base of the palm to the mouse - basically her watch should move in sync with the mouse and not sit still).

    Once all this is done and correct then you can check if the mouse if comfortable or not (I had one mouse which was too tall (meant for a bigger hand or just bad design) and I noticed the effect after a week as my wrist was tilted back just a fraction too much).

  18. Logitech Mice by drinkmorejava · · Score: 2

    I know someone said something about an intellimouse, which are pretty good (I can't stand the scroll-wheel though), but what about all the higher-end Logitech mice (mx500 and up, I have an mx700). Using a laptop mouse, or even a normal mouse for a full day, my hand will start to hurt, but with the Logitech mice, my hand is basically in it's natural resting/cupped position. Almost all the movement is done with the wrist and your thumb is basically dead resting in the grooved side.

  19. ALWAYS ALWAYS remember: Ergonomics is individual!! by swordgeek · · Score: 4, Insightful

    In both this article and the one about standing vs. sitting at work, I see endless well-intentioned posts from people saying, "this is how you fix your problem." Almost always, it means (and often actually says) "this is how I fixed my problem, so you should do it to."

    Bottom line here folks is that what works for you might not work for me. Your ideal mouse isn't mine. Your wrist problems might in fact be caused by the same thing as my back problems and buddy's thumb problems, with the only difference being in how we've adapted to a flawed situation. Alternatively, what caused your thumb problem (and hence what fixed it) might not be even remotely related to what caused my nearly-identical thumb problem, and so the same fix might not work.

    The best advice you can get is to start with a standard configuration, identify the problem, and then explore as many potential fixes until you find the one that works. This is not an exact science! There are no single, deterministic solutions to each problem!

    So in short, consider every solution offered with a grain of salt--but do consider it.

    --

    "People who do stupid things with hazardous materials often die." -- Jim Davidson on alt.folklore.urban
  20. Re:finger mouse by Psychofreak · · Score: 2, Interesting

    You know, I rarely use my thumb for mousing on my 3 button mouse...Really should do a poll on that...
    Phil

    --
    Laugh, it's good for you!
  21. Wow, that was overkill. by Maelwryth · · Score: 3, Funny

    Use the other hand.

    --
    I reserve the write to mangle english.
  22. Mousekeys by Tlosk · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Since use of the thumb is a big issue, I'd suggest showing her a built-in usability function that comes with windows, MouseKeys. When turned on it converts the number keys into mouse function keys (movement, single click, double click, drag, drop, etc). Now normally this is used to avoid all use of the mouse, but can be a little slow moving the cursor around. In your case thought it would allow moving the mouse with the right hand and using the left hand to do the clicking/dragging. Personally I use it a lot just because using the keyboard keys is a lot less stressful than clicking the mouse keys because you don't have to grip in order to push the buttons and there's less strain, especially when you have a lot of repeated clicking in a short period. There's of course a period of adjustment before it becomes second nature to use Mousekeys but it's a no cost, effective solution. And you can toggle it on and off just using the NUM Lock key so you still have access to the number pad for number entry.

    Here is a link to Microsofts description of how to turn them on:
    http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windowsxp /mousekeys.aspx

    and a nice tutorial on what keys do what and tweaks:
    http://www.disability.uiuc.edu/infotechaccess/trai ning/windows95/mouse.html

  23. Call me crazy but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    1) use the other hand
    2) book some quality time with an Occupational Therapist.

    I favour the latter. I believe that this person is going to continue to have these problems no matter what pointer she uses until the actual problem (which IMO has nothing to do with using a mouse per se) is fixed. An OT can look at the way she positions her wrist, arm and shoulder as well as checking many other variables. The thumb is the kicker. When I use a mouse my thumb rests lightly against the side of the mouse and only moves a few millimeters with respect to my palm. I could easily use my mouse with my thumb in a cast or with no thumb at all if I taped a pencil to my wrist.

    Most alternatives will increase the stress on the wrist, thumb or shoulder. Touch pad: thumb and shoulder; Thumb ball: thumb; Pen: wrist and shoulder etc.

    Since you are asking medical advice on ./, here's mine: think CTS. 1) look at her chair height and wrist position (chair high enough, wrist straight and not leaning on an edge. mouse in natural work position not elevated, lowered or off in the next cube); 2) is she gripping the mouse or lightly framing it (if you grab the cord there should be play in the mouse). Is she using a gel rest, or a wrist guard? Is she otherwise fit and healthy? Has she seen a doctor?

  24. If Cash isnt a problem..... by in2mind · · Score: 2, Informative

    ...how about Touch Screen.

  25. Not the answer... by qyiet · · Score: 2, Funny

    but it got me thinking... has anyone tried using a Theremin as pointer control?

    While I doubt it would be all that useful, it would definately be cool.

    -Qyiet

  26. Alternative to switching hands by cgenman · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Use your feet to click your mouse.

    Seriously. Get a Smart Joy adapter and a Reload Pedal, and remap the joystick input to mouse click... though you may have to unscrew the top and cut the spring in half for easier clicking, like I did. Alternatively, get a mouse with very large buttons, remove the trackball / tape over the sensor, and leave it on the floor as a secondary mouse. Both sets of clicks will register.

    The key to RSI, is to not find one "optimal" solution. Switch keyboards and mice throughout the day. Change your position completely. Walk over and talk to someone about a spec they had written. Put your feet up. Take your feet down. Really, the reason we get RSI is because we do one thing repeatedly. No matter how ergonomic that one sitting position or wrist angle may be, if you stay fixed in that position eventually your ligaments and joints will break down. Change position, take coffee breaks, mouse lefty for a little, turn your body to the side... anything to keep from falling into the trap of the one perfect body position.

  27. Hoverstop by hillos · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Hoverstop.com might be worth a look. They sell a mouse that looks and operates normally except it vibrates gently after a period of inactivity. This is to remind the user to remove their hand from the device. The manufacturers claim that this reduces stress and helps people with RSI and similar problems. Hillos

  28. Excercise by ms1234 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    15 minute break every 2 hours for stretching and moving around. Therapist usually have some workout program that can be done at work. A massage if possible once a week is also doing wonders here at my workplace.

  29. Lack of Other Excercise... by BoRegardless · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Tis certainly part of the problem.

    If a physical therapist can recommend and watch over some other forms of excercise, you can start to balance out and strengthen other muscles and possibly attentuate or eliminate the problems. It did work for me, though I realize if it gets bad enough that it is difficult to get over.

  30. Stop What Hurts and Change Out Often by dreamer-of-rules · · Score: 3, Informative

    Most people have horrible posture when typing, resting their arms on corners, extending their hands far out to the right (past the vestigal number pad) to mouse, keeping their head at an awkward angle that distorts their spine's natural curves..

    First off, she should listen to her body. If something hurts, stop doing it. This is the fair warning that her body is giving her. She can take breaks-- walk once around the building, refill her water glass, stretch in place, shake her hands. Use a timer in Outlook that goes off every twenty minutes at first until the symptoms show continued improvement.

    Second, she should avoid Repetive Motions as much as possible. Break the habit. Mix things up frequently.
    * Switch mousing hands regularly.
    * Always rest hands in the lap.
    * Adjust or fix the lighting. (reduces muscle tension and eye strain)
    * Adjust the monitor height.
    * Switch out the effing keyboard for something without an attached number pad.
    * Get a keyboard that is the right size for her body frame.
    * Attach multiple mice to her system for instant switching.
    * Get an adjustable keyboard tray.
    * Learn and use keyboard shortcuts.
    * Change positions several times a day.
    * Get an adjustable monitor stand. (and replace the monster CRT with an LCD)
    * Automate her crap work.

    Touchpad mice let her use her thumb, pinky, palm, even her knuckles if her hand is being too sensitive. It's easy enough to attach both a touchpad and a normal (but ergonomic) mouse to the system so that she can switch between them according to the action/gesture and what her hand is feeling that moment.

    I'm pissed that I missed the boat on the Touchstream keyboard/mice/touchpads, but the TypeMatrix keyboards are a great second-place winner. The keyboards come in a small and large size, with the small one suitable for most people. They also fit correct posture more naturally, by getting rid of the oh-so-stupid staggered key layout, and by separating the left and right sizes a little, and adding extra enter/backspace keys in the center for good measure.

    I got one for someone at our work with chronic pain, and she had no problem adjusting to the new layout in hours. Her condition has improved a lot, and she credits the keyboard and better lighting. (I tried to get her to use a touchpad mouse, but it completely ignored her touch.)

    At my desk, I have the TypeMatrix keyboard, a regular mouse for precision-work, and a Cirque touchpad for normal mousing. (The touchpad is 9 years old, and still works great.) I put a large box on the side table so that I can also stand and use my personal laptop for the 40% of my work that is internet crap and web-development. When I'm web browsing (er, researching), I can actually kick back in my chair, and do everything just with the touchpad. Change positions!

    (I have considered the Kenesis split keyboard but it was too big and pricey for me at the time. I call it a fine third choice.)

    --
    Everyone is entitled to his own opinions, but not his own facts.
  31. The Nomus by Karloskar · · Score: 2, Interesting

    A lady in our office uses something called a Nomus. It's developed by a Swedish company and is like a laptop track-pad, but with endstops for left and right that continue to move the cursor. It has buttons for left and right handed use and doesn't require any settings to be changed to change hands.

    I hate it, but she loves it and says it relieves her neck, arm and hand pains.

  32. Foot pedals and eye-control by KlaymenDK · · Score: 2, Informative

    Everything from ergonomic keyboards and mice to foot pedals and eye-control:
    Fentek Industries
    Kinesis Corporation
    AbilityHub
    Solutions for Humans ...

  33. Buy a book by oneandoneis2 · · Score: 3, Informative

    Specifically, this one

    I used to spend 8 hours a day sitting on my specially-ordered ergonomic chair, tapping away at my ergonomic keybaord, wearing wrist supports, popping pain killers, and contemplating quitting my job because I had RSI in both wrists so badly my hands actually burned with pain. I started the excercises listed for wrist pain in that book one weekend, and when I came back to work on Monday, I chucked my wrist supports into my desk drawer, along with my painkillers, and never used them again. The chair went back to the suppliers a few days later.

    RSI is *not* caused by too much movement - the body exists for no other purpose than movement, and it was "designed" for a hell of a lot more movement than we give it by sitting in chairs all day. The cause of RSI is *bad* movement: Movement in a bad posture, using the wrong muscle groups, etc. A primary cause of my burning hands was that I typed with my hands bent back so the tendons in my forearm were scraping over the bones, rubbing them raw: sitting up straighter so my hands naturally bent forward/downward eliminated 90% of my pain overnight.

    The problem is with the body, not the office equipment. So don't waste your money on a new mouse: Fix the real problem.

    --
    So.. it has come to this
  34. Don't focus on the mouse by robocord · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Most RSIs aren't caused by the device being used. They're caused by poor workstation ergonomics in general. Start with her posture. Is she sitting with her feet flat on the floor, knees bent at about 90 degrees? Are her chair arms removed or set as low as possible? Ideally, she shouldn't rest her elbows, wrists, or the heels of her hands on anything while typing. When typing, her elbows should be close to her body and bent at about 90 degrees also. Given the posture constraints, her keyboard and mouse height will likely have to be adjusted. It's important to adjust the height of the equipment, not the height of the chair. Raising the chair will raise her legs, causing her to adjust her posture away from the optimum. For sensitive users, such as this person seems to be, you need to throw away all those wrist rests, pads, and other items that may put pressure on or near the carpal tunnel area. Even those swoopy microsoft keyboard, with the huge, non-removable wrist rest aren't very good for truly sensitive types. Correct posture of the legs, back, arms, and wrists is the real solution.

    I had huge problems with my wrists, for years. I finally went to work for a company big enough to have an ergonomics specialist. When I mentioned it to my boss, he immediately called her, and she came to my office to assess the situation. After a *long* lecture about posture, she took away all my so-called ergonomic gear. She then had the facilities guys come install a height-adjustable keyboard tray and bring me a new chair (Aeron, w00t!). Once everything was adjusted, the problem pretty quickly went away on its own. The only thing that I do now that's exceptional is that I use a trackpoint keyboard at home (from http://pckeyboards.com/).

  35. NaturalPoint's SmartNAV system by mjeppsen · · Score: 2, Interesting

    NaturalPoint's SmartNAV system enables mousing with your head/neck. There is a IR emitter and camera that you mount/place on your monitor, and it tracks a reflective dot that you either wear, stick to glasses, or put on a hat (the kit comes with a hat with integrated reflective dot). Clicking is accomplished by the software mapping convenient keys on your keyboard, or by voice activation.

    The system is suprisingly sensitive and intuitive, with a little practice it becomes second nature to point with your head. For the record I'm not an employee of NP, but I am right in the middle of a product review on the SmartNAV3 AT package (and will be posting it at FresHDV in the very near future). I have to admit that I did not anticipate that it would be a very intuitive system. And I've been pleasantly suprised. The system is not cheap, but the relief for those plagued by RSI is well worth the cost. What's great is NaturalPoint offers a evaluation period, you can return the product within like 30 days if you aren't happy with it. It would be well worth looking into for your co-worker.

  36. Try learning the keyboard shortcuts.... by Joce640k · · Score: 2, Interesting

    How about teaching her how to use keyboard shortcuts? Most apps work just fine without a mouse (even Windows - just learn "CTRL-Esc", etc).

    --
    No sig today...
  37. I own laptop with a Synaptics touchpad, but.. by ickeicke · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I own laptop with a Synaptics touchpad, and while i like it for mobile use, I always plug in an optical mouse when I can. You don't have to use your thumb, but I find it stressful to use more than 30 minutes or so. They are just not designed for prolonged and ergonomic use, though perhaps that is different on stand alone touch pads.

    --
    Firehed - Unfortunately, thanks to medical breakthroughs, common sense is not as common as it once was.
  38. Do NOT switch hands by neoguri · · Score: 2, Informative

    I switched hands too (from right to left) and that worked like a charm till I got pain in my left arm. Because the problem never went away in my right arm, despite exclusively using my left, I had no arms left. I sought professional help (which I strongly recommend to the poster's client) and they showed me why switch is a BAD idea. Because your primary arm is dominant its muscles also tense up when using your other arm thus it is never truly relieved. So you are not only causing a new problem in your second arm but also supporting your existing problemen in your primary arm (or shoulder-side or wrist). I was told this and then hooked up to a muscle-tension meter so I could verify this for myself.

    I have had great help from a specialized practice. It consisted of a multi-disciplinary approach including: psychologist, physiotherapist and mensendieck. My problems have not disappeared but I have learned technics to managed them.

    Seriously: Don't switch! Get professional help!

    1. Re:Do NOT switch hands by Aypok · · Score: 2, Informative

      I have to agree with the parent comment - switching hands just made things much, much worse. My left hand is now as bad as my right one...

  39. Change hands and get her to a physio by Inez{R} · · Score: 2, Informative

    Let her change hands. I did it myself and am now better in using my 'off' hand. I played stupid games like Minesweeper to train it.
    Then do something about the pain and damage. Physical therapy worked fine for me. Physical therapists know a lot more about muscles and joints than your average medical practitioner.
    Also, do something about the underlying causes. Probably the physical therapist can advise her best, otherwise get a ergonomist.
    But get her to do something about the complaints! Just providing her with another way of input is not enough.

  40. Re:The answer is Foot Mouse by Firehed · · Score: 2, Funny

    My word, at almost $320 each, you think they'd be able to afford a web designer that didn't come from 1993.

    The real solution.

    --
    How are sites slashdotted when nobody reads TFAs?
  41. Re:Mod parent up by MyLongNickName · · Score: 2, Funny

    Best of all it frees up your right hand for your joystick.

    Is that what you call it?

    --
    See my journal for slashdot ID's by year. Mine created in 2005. http://slashdot.org/journal/289875/slashdot-ids-by-year
  42. ANSWER by P3NIS_CLEAVER · · Score: 2, Interesting

    who experiences sharp pains in her thumb, hand and arm when using her mouse.

    Stop squeezing so goddam hard and it will stop biting her!

    --
    Please sign petition to restore sanity to our banking system!!!

    http://financialpetition.org/
  43. Deal with the root causes by hexsprite · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Maybe this individual is experiencing pain because of lack of exercise in certain areas of the body? I can speak from personal experience here that not getting adequate exercise can lead to RSI-related issues.

    A couple things that have helped me:

    0. Eliminate the source of aggravation. For me it was using a computer at the wrong height, keyboard wrong height, reaching too far for the mouse, etc.

    1. Workrave, or Anti-RSI for the Mac. Software like this reminds me you to take breaks on a regular schedule in case you get so involved in your work you forget about the world around you. Workrave even shows exercises on screen so you can follow along. Brings us to next point.

    2. Exercise. Do some regular stretches for the areas that are bothering you. Not sure what to do? Look online for exercises for RSI.

    At one point in my IT career I had RSI so bad I missed about a week of work. At that point I tried doing physiotherapy but I didn't really find the exercises or treatments I was offered did much for me.

    Then I went to a yoga class and had almost immediate relief. I started going once a week to classes and overall my back pain and wrist pains were reduced signficantly.

    Another thing that has helped alot specifically in the area of the wrists is indoor rock climbing. It really strengthens upper body, shoulders, forearms, fingers, etc.

  44. Tools that have helped me with RSI by Mant · · Score: 3, Informative

    I have been suffering from RSI for about a year now and found some things that help.

    Voice control software. I use ViaVoice myself. It is a real pain to train, but once done it is very good for emails, documents and the like. Probably too unwieldy for a total replacement, but it can reduce the typing load.

    RSIGuard a handy program that forces you to take breaks based on how much you have used the mouse or keyboard. Simple idea, but it is so easy to forget to take breaks.

    Aerobic Mouse or Quill Mouse. If gripping a pointing device is the problem this is great. Its like a vertical mouse and your hand sits in a tray on the side of it. You can move it around and keep the hand relaxed.

  45. Wacom drawing tablet? by gozar · · Score: 3, Informative
    Why not try a drawing tablet? A pen interface might be more natural to them to use.

    For further reading:

    --
    What, me worry?
  46. How to avoid RSI (Repetitive Stress Injuries) by wombachi · · Score: 2, Interesting
    Here are usefull resources from a Google news about RSI... Worth knowing My 2 cents, W.
  47. Been there, done that, have Xrays to prove it by Tsu+Dho+Nimh · · Score: 4, Informative

    She needs to see an orthopedic surgeon NOW!!!!!!

    I have the same problem: changing hands is initially awkward, but it helps.

    Check her posture ... any reaching forward aggravates the tendons. Ergonomics must be perfect.

    A keyboard with integrated touchpad would allow her to use fingertips instead of thumb ... might help.

    She needs to REST NOW or this can turn into a permenent problem! And a wrist splint that immobilizes the thumb (the low-cost equivalent is to tape the thumb to the hand). Wearing wrist braces as much as possible

    Taking painkillers is counterproductive unless you take painkillers AND rest ... painkillers without rest allows you to continue damaging the tendons and by the time the damage is so great the painkillers don't work, the tendons might be beyond recovery.

  48. Re:Synaptics touchpad - the best input device ever by Hognoxious · · Score: 2, Insightful
    But guess what, you can turn them of and use the normal buttons provided.
    But then you're back to using the thumbs - which is what we (or the questioner) was trying to avoid.
    --
    Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
  49. Re:Synaptics touchpad - the best input device ever by Odin_Tiger · · Score: 2, Interesting

    A related option is a keyboard with a built-in touchpad. Lots of folks here use the ergonomic layout with these here where I work. You get a full size, ergonomic keyboard (unlike with a laptop) but still have the touchpad. They're quite handy. Alternatively, check out the Logitech Marble Mouse. Your thumb becomes the left-clicker (like with a touchpad), and that's the only thing it does. You work the trackball with your index finger and right-click with middle finger. A guy in our office with pretty painful carpal tunnel swears it was a godsend for him.

    --
    Unpleasantries.
  50. Re:Mod parent up by markwalling · · Score: 2, Funny

    and then your crotch will be on fire. and don't put it on a bean bag either. those catch fire.

    --
    ...For the beast had been reborn with its strength renewed, and the followers of Mammon cowered in horror.
  51. Dr it hurts when I do this ... by Glonoinha · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Patient : Dr it hurts when I do this ...
    Doctor : Well don't do that.

    It's a joke, but in all honestly it isn't a joke. If you have RSI, how about stop looking for less painful ways to continue to aggravate it and take some time off. Completely off - I'm not talking about staying home and playing on the computer for 10 hours a day (EverCrack monkeys - yea I am looking at you.) I mean off the keyboard. The company I work for gives us four weeks off per year and they damn well expect us to use it - it isn't so we can go to Disneyland or whatever (well in a way it is) - it is so we can do exactly that : take some time off and let our bodies decompress, destress, and give all the RSI some time to heal. You will never get better if you continue to wear at it - but take a month off and stay off the keyboard for four weeks, see if you don't feel like a whole new person when you come back.

    You would think it was obvious, but evidently not. Take some time away from the machine. Get some sunshine in your face. Rest. Relax. Get better.

    --
    Glonoinha the MebiByte Slayer