Such a thing as Mouse Elbow?

[LadyTech]

About 3 weeks ago, my right elbow really started aching for no reason. Now its to the point where I can hardly hold a hairbrush or toothbrush (ever try brushing your teeth left handed if you are right handed?). Now its affecting my whole arm from the shoulder down. I've heard of carpal syndrome (sp) but thought that was in the wrists.. My computer at work and at home are setup in such away that both arms fully rest on the desk, from the elbow to wrists, and have been this way for years. Any idea what's going on, or is it just old age catching up with me?

 

[AndyHui]

Rather than mouse elbow, people tend to get mouse shoulder. If you have the mouse at the right height, such that your wrist is level with your elbow, you won't get that problem.

 

[LadyTech]

My wrist is level with my elbow.. owwwwwww

 

[Looney]

Yeah, i use to get the same thing too when i worked with computers all day. Get a chair with an armrest you can actually rest your elbow on (and still move the mouse), gets rid of both the elbow and shoulder pain.

 

[bigd480]

u can try raising chair so arm doesn't rest on anything

 

[LadyTech]

So, are you saying it's not good to keep my arms flat on the desk, fully supported? or
That my elbow should be lower than my wrist? or
Arm/wrist should not be supported at all?

 

[Yo Ma Ma]

My opposite elbow takes a beating, I lean on my left and mouse with my right, elbow off desk on that side. I do sort of have that should problem you mentioned sometimes though.

 

[bigd480]

depends if they're flat on the desk or just part of your arm is resting on the edge of the desk... that's what many ppl do and over time it can affect circulation/nerves... if your elbow is higher than your wrist it won't lean on anything which can alleviate that problem, if that's the problem....

i usually wrest my wrist on the edge of the desk and keep the mouse there with my arm unsupported, like yo_ma-ma described...

 

[LadyNiniane]

<< About 3 weeks ago, my right elbow really started aching for no reason. Now its to the point where I can hardly hold a hairbrush or toothbrush (ever try brushing your teeth left handed if you are right handed?). Now its affecting my whole arm from the shoulder down. I've heard of carpal syndrome (sp) but thought that was in the wrists.. >>


You are describing the other version of repetitive motion syndrome - it has a fancy name, but I do not recall what that is at the moment. There are two nerve sheaths in the lower arm, both of which go through the &quot;carpal tunnel&quot; in the wrist. One set of nerves handles stuff in your thumb and first two fingers; the other handles the last two fingers. &quot;Carpal tunnel syndrome&quot; is commonly used to refer to irritation of the first set; &quot;Tennis elbow&quot; is a common name for the second. FYI, your &quot;crazy bone&quot; nerve is in the second bundle.

If you notice tingling or numbness in the fingers of the affected arm/hand, take note of which fingers are involved - this is important to getting a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Overuse in a &quot;wrong&quot; position is the root cause of repetitive motion injuries; the obvious &quot;solution&quot; is to avoid the use or position. As we all know, though, it's not just a case of &quot;don't use the computer&quot; - you need to find ways to use it that don't aggravate or cause the problem in the first place.

For both keyboard and mouse work, your wrist(s) should be at the same level as the knuckles of your hand(s). The elbow level is also important, but is dependent upon the angle at which you place your arms and hands when you use the keyboard/mouse.

Fully supported arms may or may not help you; the angle also determines twist, which is just as critical.

If it has already reached the point where it is painful to do daily tasks, it is probably time to consult a medical professional about it. S/he can prescribe medications to temporarily relieve the pain, and should be able to get you started on therapy and change management conditioning to help you relieve the problem.

Lady Niniane
(yes, I've been through this - but a long time ago, with viola playing. Quite an education I got - I have a few problems today with computer use, but I know what to watch out for and can manage without too many problems.)