The past couple of days, I've had a sore right wrist. I didn't bounce it into anything as far as I know, nor did I strain it lifting heavy objects. My first idea would be RSI, and if I am correct, I'd not be pleased, hence the title. If the pain remains, I'll have a doctor take a look and diagnose, but for the time being I'm actively seeking out solutions, just in case it is indeed RSI.
I have installed Workrave (Workrave.org) on my computer, and I hope that small tool will help me take a break every now and then, as well as suggest some exercises to relax my muscles. If you work with computers and mice quite a lot, you may want to read up on the site, it has plenty of suggestions on how to prevent RSI.
Over time I may feel the need to move away from a mouse and start using a trackball instead. The Logitech Trackman seems like a good solution, though there must be other devices out there as well. If you know of, or use a trackball yourself, feel free to send me your experiences on them, benefits, disadvantages. The cost of the device itself is the least of my concerns, if it'll allow me to remain productive while not wrecking my wrist.
Hm... now that I think about it, my wrist hurts most when I move it sideways, so maybe the culprit is not the mouse, but rather my keyboard? I'll take a look at the Microsoft Natural Keyboard as well, though I think they look rather strange and not all that ergonomic at first. It's probably just something one needs to get used to, right?
Comments
I used a Logitech Trackman for a couple years. It took me a couple weeks to get used to it, but I really liked the thing.
This is the one I'd really like to try... It features a "handshake grip." http://www.evoluent.com/vm3.html
If you do indeed have RSI, it may be greatly improved by sleeping with wrist braces on, such as these... http://www.supports4u.com/wrist.htm
I thought I might have RSI after years of cake decorating, but it turned out to be Keinbock's Disease, which was pretty much a nightmare!
Posted by: Ashtronaut at November 18, 2007 9:34 AM
Ash to the rescue once more! Thanks for those links, Ash, that Evolution mouse sure does look good, and may be easier to get used to than a trackball.
The braces look totally cyber, which means extra points for geeks like me, but I'll have my doctor decide whether I need one, and which one would be best. That is, if the pain doesn't go away and I go see a doctor of course.
Posted by: ServMe 
at November 18, 2007 3:06 PM