Computer User With Carpal Tunnel

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Hi, I'm a big time computer user. That's my biggest obsession as an aspie. I was playing a lot of First Person games like Borderlands, Portal, Dead Island and Fallout 3 for several months and after playing for maybe an hour I started to have my left fingers go numb from using the WASD keys. Well, I finally decided to check into the doctor about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and it seems according to the test. You know where they send electrical impulses through your arm and measure how fast it travels in the nerves. I have it in both hands, I was told. She said she'd send the results to my family doctor and he'd probably talk about braces for my hands and/or cream.

I'm just wondering what to expect. Exercises? Cream? Cortisone injections? What are the braces like? Should I quit playing the games? Pace my PC usage ? What do you recommend for my hands as far as computer accessories to prevent or lessen the strain on my hands?

Single best thing you can do is stop the activity that's causing the repetitive stress injury.

That won't happen.

So next best thing is to change your computing environment. Some solutions.

Get an XBOX controller. It is USB and it works with PCs. I know it sucks compared to keyboard/mouse combo, but it won't kill your wrists.

Get an adjustable gaming keypad. Like Razer Nostromo, or equivalent. Use it and the mouse, instead of WASD.

Get an ergonomic mouse. Try a bunch and see what works best.

Switch your hands. Use the mouse with left and the keyboard with right. It will be awkward at first but you'll adapt. This is what I did when my right wrist started hurting. I use the mouse with my left hand now.

Whatever you do, set up your devices so your wrist is as straight as possible. Bending it is what's causing the problems.

I have to agree with Dilbert.

I work in IT and do a lot of gaming.

The 360 controller worked wonders. Especially when I found a games that natively support the controller (In my case Dungeon Defenders and Bastion)

I still have issues but stretching helps and the controller is great.

The Razer mentioned sounds and looks great. I really hate using analog controllers for FPS games. One reason why I've avoided certain games on the ps3 and xbox. For instance I avoid Gear of War. Although that's third person, it still looks to play similarly. I really can not aim worth crap with a controller, so that's kinda out of the question. =p

Understand completely,

In that case you might want to try one of these: (ARGH! link blocked... Google evoluent)

Though as Dilbert said, try a few different ones and see what suits you best.

As for your keyboard, your physio should be able to tell you how to sit and have your arms.


Also, these are a good idea: (link blocked... If you google for some carpal tunnel stretches you'll find some)

Doing these stretches and exercises really do help.

On the Cortisone injection front, this CAN help but it varies, I've seen people who've been fine for a year or two after these and also people who it hasn't helped at all.

I use a gel arm pad that allows me to rest my arm without putting pressure on my carpal and median nerves. It looks like this:





I place it on my armrest though, not on the desk.