[whitearrow]

Hi guys,
on these days I've been intensively modelling my first ship, but now I think I'd better to take a rest because I'm having hard times with my right wrist. I'm using the mouse with the left arm currently. Does any of you have the same issue? could you give me an advice about how to fix this? I'm going to buy one of those ergonomic gel mousepads but I'm a bit skeptic about its effectiveness. I considered also buying a vertical mouse, but I've read that they lack tracking precision and since I mainly do photoediting and 3d graphics this could be a flaw. Finally I had a look at Wacom's Bamboo touchpads, the touch&pen one. How is it to do 3d graphics with the pen? Did anybody ever tried?

[Nuke]

wank wif teh other hand fro aw while. gat orra fix it.

[Lorric]

This sounds disturbingly like the onset of my severe vitamin D deficiency, which started 18 months ago with my right wrist and hand and spread through my whole body and I still haven't shaken off because it's weakened my bones, I'm not going to be free of it for at least a couple more years. It was here:

http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=79641.msg1576668#msg1576668

I also have a replacement gel mousepad on the way right now. I can tell you for me, that those things are very effective. This is what I picked:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TRIXES-Black-Comfort-Wrist-Support/dp/B0053XC1J2/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1375881594&sr=1-1&keywords=TRIXES+Black+Comfort+Wrist+Gel

First one only lasted a year or so, but it's cheap and was effective and I'm getting the same one again.

Also, face your computer. Don't go moving the chair off to the side or something, that definately makes it worse for me. Same for lounging in the chair, sit up straight.

[Flipside]

Carpal Tunnel tends to result from long-term bad wrist positioning. As the E said, whilst unlikely, you might want to consider things other than bad posture if it gets worse. My father got an infection which destroyed the 'gel' that lubricates the wrist, and which practically destroyed his ability to play guitar for the rest of his life.

Now, I'll be clear, the odds are it's simply that you are leaning on your arm as you work or the like, but something like that is always worth checking out.

[The E]

I totally agree, but I have to say that I am not Lorric (Who I think you were referring to, Flip).

[Lorric]

I totally agree, but I have to say that I am not Lorric (Who I think you were referring to, Flip).

Most amusing! 

My father got an infection which destroyed the 'gel' that lubricates the wrist, and which practically destroyed his ability to play guitar for the rest of his life.

Most certainly not amusing... 

[whitearrow]

thank you guys! I think it's bad posture. In the last period I notice I have the tendency to work with my right arm 90 degrees bent toward my chest, moving the mouse left and right instead of up and down. Indeed in this position the most stressed part is right bottom side of the wrist, just where I feel the annoyance. I'll buy a mousepad and see if it goes away. If it doesn't I'll check with a doctor...

[Spoon]

I've been using a gel mousepad for a long long time now because when I was a teenager I started developing some ugly callus on the bottom of my right wrist.
I've also had a period when I felt my right wrist was starting to develop Carpal tunnel and started using my left hand to mouse as much as possible during that time (even playing dawn of war multiplayer left handed, what a blast), I feel I still benefit from doing that, since I can still mouse really well left handed nowadays because of that 'training' period. After a few days my right wrist discomfort faded away and I haven't had issues with it since.
I guess after a while even finger/wrist muscles can become trained/buff 

On the topic of gel mousepads. Do you hold your mouse in claw or palm grip? Cause I don't think a gelpad really works all to well for palm grip users.

[Lorric]

On the topic of gel mousepads. Do you hold your mouse in claw or palm grip? Cause I don't think a gelpad really works all to well for palm grip users.

Indeed, it's the claw for me.

see if it goes away. If it doesn't I'll check with a doctor...

Yes. Don't dawdle if it gets worse/doesn't improve. Good luck, and happy modelling!

[Scourge of Ages]

My advice (in addition to everything else mentioned) would be to get a wrist brace or cloth bandages to wrap your wrist with. This will prevent excessive wristal motion while allowing you to still work, and should relieve a bit a discomfort, once you get used to it.

Hope it feels better soon.

[TwentyPercentCooler]

Might also try a trackball. I've been using one for 15 years (the same one, no less - this thing is invincible), I'm on the computer quite a bit, but my wrist hasn't ever bothered me because I'm not moving it.

Something to consider, if you run out of other possible solutions.

[whitearrow]

On the topic of gel mousepads. Do you hold your mouse in claw or palm grip? Cause I don't think a gelpad really works all to well for palm grip users.

I bought the mousepad half an hour ago, but actually I don't feel very confortable. I didn't know that thing on the way you hold the mouse and when I had a look I realized that I am a palm-grip user. Now I'm trying to hold the mouse with my left hand. I'll let you know if it improves...

[Lorric]

I bought the mousepad half an hour ago, but actually I don't feel very confortable. I didn't know that thing on the way you hold the mouse and when I had a look I realized that I am a palm-grip user. Now I'm trying to hold the mouse with my left hand. I'll let you know if it improves...

I reckon that'll slow you down significantly, but it will still provide relief. I've been playing around with a palm grip, I don't know if I'm doing it right, as I thoght claw grip was the only way to operate a mouse. It means I can't move the cursor around well. But I don't know if it's possible, but if you could make the cursor super-sensitive so the slightest movement will get your cursor from one end of the screen to the other, that might solve the problem for you.

Anyway, you'll just have to get your hands on it and see how it goes for you. The important thing is it will provide some protection for your wrist.

[An4ximandros]

I seem to have some freakish hybrid grip...

And do look out for your wrist. I once spent a whole day with one in pain. It's not funny, specially when you can't even grab a hold a leaf of bread or hold a bottle cap without pain.

[Flipside]

Where on Earth did I get the idea The E had made the post I referred to

Senior Moment, must be...

[whitearrow]

I'm having a look at this thing of the grip styles... I'm coming out with the idea that my current mouse (a Microsoft Wireless Mobile 4000) is not suited to my palm-grip style. It's too short in length and too rounded in shape. Maybe I need a mouse with a larger palm support surface and long buttons...

[Lorric]

Where on Earth did I get the idea The E had made the post I referred to

Senior Moment, must be...

I personally found it very amusing!