herma Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>I am hurting bad in my right tumb, right at the base. I am pretty sure I've inhereted my mothers arthritic hands and I believe it's from repetative mouse use. I am using a palm size cordless mouse and I have already adjusted my arm position, ice, anti inflammatory and what not. Does anybody else have this problem? Is there a mouse out there that works better?</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bueh Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>Use a regular mouse with a cord. They are lighter and easier on the hands.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven_f1 Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>No, most people don't have this issue. Are you sure you are not squeezing it? It takes very little force to move and your muscles should be relaxed most of the time. when using it. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonmestrom Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <blockquote> <p>Is there a mouse out there that works better?</p> </blockquote> <p>yes, use a tablet with a pen. Something like the Wacom Bamboo which is about $ 80,00 is perfect for that. I use two different tablets one of which is a Bamboo. I do a lot of work behind my computer both at home and at work and never use a mouse. Get one and you'll never look back.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhbebb Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p><<Is there a mouse out there that works better?>><br> I too have had pain from using a mouse - I found this occurred only when using a slim-design mouse, I now use only Microsoft optical wheel mice and seem to have fixed the problem.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cabbiinc Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>I have a Logitech Trackball and a Wacom tablet (an older one). I use the Trackball about 95% of the time.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herma Posted September 22, 2010 Author Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>I have a Wacom tablet, but I thought it was a major PITA. Maybe I gave up too soon. Lemme google that optical wheel mouse.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Kahn Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>Another vote for the Logitech Trackball...</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waltflanagan Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>I'm with David. I've used a normal mouse for 20 years and never had any pain. I used a small "travel" mouse for 1 week and my hand was killing me. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_momary Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>What works for me is to alternate between mouse, trackball, trackpad and pen/stylus. I'll do so every few days. Taking a lot of breaks also isn't a bad idea. I'm 59 and the joints do get old too.<br> <a href="http://www.healthycomputing.com/office/setup/pointing/index.html">http://www.healthycomputing.com/office/setup/pointing/index.html</a><br> Jim</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike l Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>I recently developed an ache in my right arm, which I have put down to long hours at the computer. Supresequently I have changed my mouse hand from right to left. At first I though this was going to be impossible, but I was surprised how quickly I adapted, being right handed.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc_batters Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>Move your mouse pad to the other side of your keyboard/desk, and switch hands. Give your right hand a break. <br /> You'll also get a better understanding of what it's like to be a "lefty" in this right-handed world.</p> <p>That brings up a question: Does anyone make a left-handed mouse? Might be too expensive though, because you would need to buy a left-handed pad too,>grin.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Javkin Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>I agree with the suggestions above of changing to a (lighter weight) wired mouse, and of switching sides.</p> <blockquote> <p>That brings up a question: Does anyone make a left-handed mouse? (Marc Batters)</p> </blockquote> <p>All versions I have used of Windows, Unix and Linux permit switching the mouse button functions left-to-right. This allows the change of handedness, at least with symmetrical mice. The one-button Mac mice are intrinsically ambidextrous.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon_crofts Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <blockquote> <p>I have a Wacom tablet, but I thought it was a major PITA. Maybe I gave up too soon.</p> </blockquote> <p>I had the same problem, and switched to a Wacom tablet. It took me a week or two or three to get used to it. Now a couple of months on I am completely used to the tablet, and the pain in my hand has gone away. You have to customise the pen use to suit you, I found that setting the buttons on the pen to left and right click worked best for me. One of the reasons why it took the strain away is that I can easily rotate the pen to click between thumb, forefinger or second finger so that no one finger gets strain repetition.</p> <p>So it might be worth perservering with. It does take time to get used to and get it set up the way you like.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricklavoie Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>wacom bamboo.. cant beat that for Photoshop and anything else you do.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikael_karlsson Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>Logitech Trackball here too. Fantastic for working with images all day long.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarah_fox Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>Also try out the Microsoft trackball if they still sell it. I've used trackballs since they were first invented, and Microsoft's feels the most natural/comfortable to me, not to mention that it works the best. (I haven't owned a Logitech, so I wouldn't know about that one.) FAIW, I have a mild arthritis problem too.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
szrimaging Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>Wacom tablet and gaming mice for me. Why a gaming mouse? They are ergonomically designed to fit your hand for long periods of time, less friction than a typical mouse, and some of the nicer ones have weight trays in them so you can customize the weight of the mouse. As for the tablet, I still don't like it for everyday, regular use, but hate using Photoshop without it.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rossb Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p> Ask your Doctor if a Cortisone injection would be warranted. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keith selmes Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>I've had problems with pains in fingers, hand, wrist and elbow, partly from using a too small mouse for a while.</p> <p>This is partly alleviated by using a Logitech trackball, but I'm also using a normal, large size, mouse with my left hand and sometimes a Wacom bamboo. I haven't bothered switching the buttons on the left hand mouse, I think its just as easy learning to use it as it is. However my left hand is not up to speed properly, and I also have a left elbow problem from an old accicent, so it might never be. Hence using the trackball or pad sometimes, usually for particular tasks and fiddly jobs.</p> <p>Thumb pain hasn't been a particular problem, not yet anyway.</p> <p>I'm a little puzzled about lefthandedness. In various activities I've had to learn to use my left hand independently of my right, and use both feet independently too. I suppose I still feel more comfortable doing some tasks righthanded, but on past experience there shouldn't be any real problem changing sides.</p> <p> </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek_kennedy Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 <p>I usually cant feel much in my right little finger, usually its numb. Comes from the elbow all the way down the arm to the little finger. Ive been using computers since the mid 80's so Im assuming its from over use of mice.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Ingold Posted September 24, 2010 Share Posted September 24, 2010 <p>The best way to use a mouse is a trackball with the ball on top. You operate it using the first three fingers of your open hand, moving your hand much as you would a regular mouse. Keep it at a height where your arm is relaxed and elbow is at a 90 degree angle. The advantage of a trackball is twofold - it doesn't need space to move and can be placed right next to your keyboard. Optical trackballs don't jam (if you can even get the mechanical types any more).</p> <p>Operating a trackball with your thumb is a recipe for pain. The keyboard too high or mouse/trackball too high puts a lot of strain on your shoulder and forearm. There are plenty of diagrams for ergonomic posture and recommendations for stress relief exercises on the web. Attention to details can save you a lot of pain or even crippling injuries.</p> <p>I find a trackball less stressful than a graphics pad. If you use a pen and pad, make sure you draw "from the shoulder" with your hand relaxed, like a trained artist. Drawing with your fingers is another recipe for pain.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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