carpal tunnel mouse usage

[tdrusk]

I have been battling carpal tunnel for quite some time. I read this (http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/cumousetips.html), and started looking at alternative mouse styles, but I am at a loss for what to actually do.

I was considering buying the Kensington K72337 (http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-K72337US-Orbit-Trackball-Scroll/dp/B002OOWB3O/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285245698&sr=1-4).
What do you do to keep your wrist healthy?

[mcduck]

I simply try to use keyboard instead of mouse as much as possible, and also switch between using a mouse and a wacom tablet quite often even if I'm not drawing anything.

Fairly regular use of a powerball has also helped a bit.

[roggenschrotbrot]

i use a wacom tablet instead of a mouse most of the time, and recently switched to keyboard-only using awesome wm.

[tdrusk]

I simply try to use keyboard instead of mouse as much as possible, and also switch between using a mouse and a wacom tablet quite often even if I'm not drawing anything.

Fairly regular use of a powerball has also helped a bit.
Is a powerball the same as a trackball? Just making sure we are on the same page. :)

[mcduck]

Is a powerball the same as a trackball? Just making sure we are on the same page. :)

Nope. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powerball_%28exercise_tool%29

[tdrusk]

Nope. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powerball_%28exercise_tool%29
ah thx

[sdowney717]

http://www.abilityhub.com/mouse/foot.htm

foot mouse might be a go for you

http://www.abilityhub.com/mouse/touchpad.htm

a touch pad might be better.
The foot mouse you have to sit upright and I like to lounge

http://cgi.ebay.com/Handheld-Mini-USB-Touchpad-Trackpad-Mouse-PC-Laptop-/220673227685?pt=Mice&hash=item3361263ba5

finger ring mouse.
Kinda looks interesting

[cascade9]

I was considering buying the Kensington K72337 (http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-K72337US-Orbit-Trackball-Scroll/dp/B002OOWB3O/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285245698&sr=1-4).
What do you do to keep your wrist healthy?

I much perfer the thumb trackballs to finger trackballs. I found that for me there was less wrist movement, etc. This is what I was using.....was, untill my flatmate spilt a drink on it :(

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/mice-pointers/trackballs/devices/166

Someone I know has really bad carpal tunnel and they have a mouse like this-

http://www.ergonomics.co.uk/grip_mouse_right_hand_large.html

The much prefer it to a trackball, andsay that its helped the carpal tunnel a lot.

[tdrusk]

I much perfer the thumb trackballs to finger trackballs. I found that for me there was less wrist movement, etc. This is what I was using.....was, untill my flatmate spilt a drink on it :(

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/mice-pointers/trackballs/devices/166

Someone I know has really bad carpal tunnel and they have a mouse like this-

http://www.ergonomics.co.uk/grip_mouse_right_hand_large.html

The much prefer it to a trackball, andsay that its helped the carpal tunnel a lot.
I actually have one of these laying around. Might dig it up and try it. Thanks!

[23meg]

Try the Apple Magic Trackpad. I've found that it's possible to use it with the wrist in a neutral position, with a very relaxed posture, similar to one you'd have when using a vertical mouse. If you're right handed and use it with something like the Apple aluminum wireless keyboard which has no numeric keypad on the right, it also makes switching from keyboard to trackpad much less of a pain.

[RedSquirrel]

I mostly use the keyboard but I have a Logitech Marble Mouse (trackball) which has served me well for several years. I have tried thumb-operated trackballs but found them very uncomfortable.

[sandyd]

touchscreen wins this one....

[frodon]

If you want to keep a mouse i strongly advise you mouse like the following :
http://www.evoluent.com/
http://www.wow-pen.com/new/products/wow_pen_joy.htm
http://www.amazon.com/Goldtouch-KOV-ORTHO-Ortho-Mouse/dp/B001QD8S86

The best way to avoid pain is to have a vertical position while using your mouse as it won't put any pressure on your carpal tunnel in that position. You can find them on many websites including amazon.

[forrestcupp]

Here's the simplest and cheapest solution:

I know a guy who for this very reason set his mouse up to be left handed, but he still used it with his right hand. So the right and left buttons are swapped. He said it made a huge difference. I tried his mouse out, and couldn't believe how much different it felt on my wrist and arm.