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My mouse thumb is killing me.


herma

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<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>

 

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<p>Is there a mouse out there that works better?</p>

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<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>

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<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>

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<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>
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<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>

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<p>I agree with the suggestions above of changing to a (lighter weight) wired mouse, and of switching sides.</p>

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<p>That brings up a question: Does anyone make a left-handed mouse? (Marc Batters)</p>

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<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>

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<p>I have a Wacom tablet, but I thought it was a major PITA. Maybe I gave up too soon.</p>

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<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>

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<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>
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<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>
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<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>

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<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>

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