Need help for my uncle!

Arthritis or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

[King_Fisher]

My uncle is retire and likes to mess around with his

computer all day. Lately he complains that he is getting

arthritis in his right wrist. I suspect its probably CTS.

His computer just has a standard key board and mouse.

Anyone recommend a keyboard and mouse that would help alleviate

that condition. Also some exercise he could do? Thanks KF

[BeeDeeDubbleU]

Tell him to try Collagen. This may help but you have to take them long term and it can be quite expensive.

I have trouble with my knees. I used to do long distance running and I have bowled for the last 37 years. I started taking collagen about a year ago and I am sure that it is helping me.

I used to get problems with the old CTS and it was only when I read this post that I realised it has not been bothering me for some time. It may be that the collagen is helping this too.

[King_Fisher]

Thanks Bee Dee, will pass this along to him.

Also asked if any one had a recommendation on the mouse

and keyboard design. Something that has been ergonomically

design to facilitate usage to eliminate these symptoms.

If anyone has any suggestions it would be much appreciated!

Thanks! King Fisher

[BeeDeeDubbleU]

I assume that he using a wheel mouse? I found that this reduced the amount of wrist movement required?

[grandpa]

I use a wrist pad for my mouse, and an ergonomic keyboard. The wrist pad seemingly provided immediate results, this keyboard.. I'm still having a little trouble getting acclimated, but it is a improvement.

I try to wear wrist braces while I sleep, that seems to help as well.

[phranque]

logitech or microsoft split keyboard.
logitech trackman marble.

low (close to lap) height can help.
wrist and/or forearm support can help.

[jecasc]

My dad had similar problems when he weas sitting on the computer all day. However the solution was not a new mouse or keyboard but a chair with an armrest.

He was always placing his full palm on the mouse and was moving the mouse with his arm rather than with his hand. with his arm in midair all day. After I showed him how to use the mouse with his arm rested on the chair and his wrist rested on the pad, only using his fingers to move it, his problems went away.

A new keyboard and mouse won't do it as long as the whole working place is not ergonomic (height of chair, height of table, position of monitor) and the mouse and keyboard are used the wrong way.

[Essex_boy]

I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in my right arm.

Does he get pins and needles in the hand?
Does he find that the skin over his hand feels tight?
Does his hand and arm swell up?

These are the symptoms I get, he could buy a gel filled mouse mat to reduce the problem.

[phranque]

chair with an armrest

what jecasc said!
(maybe even individually adjustable armrests)
forgot to mention that...

[King_Fisher]

Thanks Guys!

A lot of sound, practical information and help.

Will pass it on to my uncle and am sure he will

benefit from it. KF

[Jane_Doe]

Regular tai chi or yoga sessions work great for freeing up muscles tightened up from too much computer use. Foods high in magnesium (nuts, beans, leafy green veggies) can also help to relax muscles.