Re: helpful things for RSI (Was "Help! Need an ergonomic mouse")

[David Girardot <dmgirard -at- CORNETLTD -dot- COM>]

Note: I'm posting this also to the list since RSI could potentially be a
serious problem for a tech writer or anyone who uses the computer a lot.

Hi Rowena,

I came down with an RSI last summer ... the tendons in my fingers became
inflamed.  Aside from having to stop using the computer for a few weeks,
I've found a couple of things that have really helped me:

- Got these little stackable monitor stands that lets me look at the monitor
without having to crane my neck or look down.

- Got a keyboard drawer w wrist wrest and adjusted seat so my hands are in a
neutral position w my feet flat on the floor.

- Use a trackball instead of a mouse.  I hold it in my lap, so my arms
aren't raised like they'd be with a mouse on my desk.  Having your shoulder
raised exacerbates a hand problem since it cuts off nerves and circulation
at the shoulder.  I'm using a mouse systems trackball that's designed to
work on a desktop.   If my fingers are bothering me I can use it with my
whole hand or my thumb.

- Got better posture.  I did exercises to strengthen my back and wrist
muscles.

- Got a pair of hand-eze gloves.  These are fingerless lycra gloves that
provide warming and support.  These have made a big big difference.

Hope some of this helps.

-- David

---David M Girardot---dmgirard -at- cornetltd -dot- com------------
--[Senior Tech Writer & Information Specialist]---------
--[CorNet International, Ltd.]--------------------------
[Opinions expressed in this message are my own.]--------
--


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Technical Writers List; for all Technical Communication issues
> [mailto:TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU]On Behalf Of Rowena Hart
> Sent: Friday, August 14, 1998 11:25 AM
> To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
> Subject: Help! Need an ergonomic mouse
>
>
> Hello TECHWR-L,
>
> In the past, I've posted questions about ergonomics, repetitive
> strain injury (RSI) and strengthening exercises for sore hands.
> The real benefits to my working health have been enormous.
>
> Recently I've experienced a lot of "mouse fatigue" in the form of
> sore wrists and forearms, as well as numb fingers.  I've been
> doing a lot of editing (select-->click motions) and graphics
> (select-->click-->drag motions) lately and I can feel the pain.
>
> My employer is considering buying me an ergonomic mouse.
> There are several to choose from, and I need feedback from
> anyone who uses, or has evaluated, the following mice:
>
> Goldtouch Mouse
> http://www.goldtouch.com/home/index.html
>
> Contour Mouse
> http://www.contourdes.com/
>
> Anir Mouse (looks like a joystick)
> http://www.animax.no/
>
> MicroPoint Mouse
> http://www.altra.com/
>
> If you know of a mouse that isn't listed, please tell me about it.
> Thanks again for your help,
>
> Rowena
> rhart -at- intrinsyc -dot- com
>
> ---------------------
> Rowena Hart
> Technical Writer
> Intrinsyc Software, Inc.
> Vancouver, B.C. Canada
> http://www.intrinsyc.com
>
>
> ==================================================================
> =========
>
>
>

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