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bethalize
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« on: July 23, 2001, 08:09:33 am » |
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Okay, the admin's worse nightmare is creeping up on me. RSI, or RMI I think some people call it, has happened to me.
I am acting fast - I already have my new wrist rest and mouse pad with wrist rest (gel filled for extra comfort) but I would appreciate the input of other admins on the following:
Computer mouse - any favourites? Any that are specially designed to minimize strain?
Hand/wrist braces - I'm having a devil of a job finding one on sale here. I think there should be one with metal underneath that supports the hand rather than just the wrist.
Any other tips, tricks, exercises etc. My pharmacist has recommended anti-inflamatories, in the hope that I have just had a particularly bad week, but anything else would be welcome.
Anyone got a good website on ergonomics? My chair sucks, but as I'm still temp-to-perm I'm not asking for a new one - yet! My feet are flat on the floor and my back is straight, however.
Any exercises, especially for the hands?
Eagerly awaiting your input,
Liz
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Logged
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countrigal
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« Reply #1 on: July 23, 2001, 10:12:22 am » |
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I use a TracBall by Logitech, where the thumb works the ball, and the palm rests comfortably on the mouse "body", fingers on the buttons. Its shape and size is perfect for the hand, and when it's placed correctly (meaning my chair, keyboard, and mouse area are all in correct alignment) it really alleviates the strain on my wrist. TracBalls that have the ball run by fingers, or centered in the mouse, don't let your wrist rest as well and to me aren't as comfortable to use.
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Logged
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whitesatin
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« Reply #2 on: July 23, 2001, 10:16:42 am » |
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Liz,
Do you have trackballs in the UK? I don't have one, but I hear that they are a great alternative to the mouse as far as ergonomics are concerned. If you can't find one there, let me know and I can buy one here and send it to you. (Cost is approximately $50 U.S.) You can reach me at whitesatin@administrative-assistants.com.
WS
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Logged
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countrigal
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« Reply #3 on: July 23, 2001, 10:22:06 am » |
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I ordered mine off the internet for about $45.00 with shipping and handling. If you can't buy them there (or if they only offer the ones with the ball in the middle) shop online.
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Logged
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bethalize
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« Reply #4 on: July 23, 2001, 10:35:50 am » |
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We can get trackballs here, but I'm not that bad yet. What I was thinking about was something like the mice where the left button is on the side for the thumb or with a scroll facility.
Anyone got a good table of short cut keys?
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Logged
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countrigal
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« Reply #5 on: July 23, 2001, 10:52:03 am » |
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The mouse you described is what I call (and I believe is normally known in the US as) a TrackBall. Between that and my wrist brace I'm doing great.
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Logged
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chris68
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« Reply #6 on: July 23, 2001, 11:00:24 am » |
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You may want to try an Ergonomic keyboard as well. That was recommended to me a while ago when I was having some problems. I haven't needed it yet but the next time I have a problem, I am going to suggest it. It's a little strange at first to use, but once you get used to the split keyboard you won't want anything els. It keeps your wrists up where they are supposed to be when typing instead of slanting down leaning on the gell wrist guard. You may also want to request some of those to, one for your mouse and one for your keyboard, because they are cheap and help out in the short run.
As far as websites, I know they are out there I would recommend doing a search engine look and see what's out there. We have a safety person here at work, if you have one at your place of work I would recommend talking to them, they have good ideas sometimes. I would never have thought of the ergonomic keyboard.
Chris68
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Logged
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workerbee
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« Reply #7 on: July 23, 2001, 11:19:23 am » |
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Hold your arms straight out in front of you. Make your hands into fists (not too tight), and GENTLY bend your hands down. Hold for a count of ten; relax. Do this a few times. (You might feel it along the top of your wrist and forearm.)
Same starting position. Gently bend your hands back (think "stop"). Hold for a count of ten; relax. Do a few times.
Same starting position. Slowly (even slower!) rotate hands outward several times, then rotate them slowly in the opposite direction. Shake out your hands and relax.
You might feel it a bit in your hands, wrists, and forearms. However, if you feel pain, STOP AT ONCE. These warms-ups should not cause any pain.
Also, wiggle your fingers really well and stretch your hands before you start typing (again, you should feel the stretch, but not pain).
You can also do these several times during the day. I do them often when I have a lot of typing to do. They really help!
Best of luck,
Elaine
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Logged
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