Ever Experience RSI Related Tendonitis?

KrunchTime · 2016-02-25 23:08:18

I switched to a trackball pointing device a few years ago. However, I've experienced what I believe to be RSI related tendonitis over the past 2 years in both of my thumbs due to the fact that the trackball pointing devices I've used either required use of the thumb for moving the trackball (Logitech M570) or for clicking buttons (Logitech Trackman Marble). My left thumb is currently quite painful if I apply any pressure to the underside of, or twist, the first knuckle area.

Thinking back to when I began heavily using computers, I remember sometimes experiencing pain in the palm area of my right hand and now I think that may have been RSI related tendonitis from using a mouse.

My current trackball pointing device (Logitech Trackman Marble) can be used with either the left or right hand and is one of the reasons I purchased it. I thought that by switching hands on a monthly basis, I could alleviate any tendonitis issues. That turned out to be an incorrect assumption or perhaps I should have switched more frequently.

I was wondering if others have experienced similar issues and if applicable, things you've done to alleviate and/or prevent the tendonitis.

Last edited by KrunchTime (2016-02-25 23:18:14)

PackRat · 2016-02-26 00:36:14

Why did you switch to a trackball? Can you switch back, or use the keyboard/key bindings more (force yourself to use the keyboard more by disconnecting the trackball).

For tendonitis/RSI I usually use some combination of stretching, heat therapy, massage therapy.

ohnonot · 2016-02-26 07:32:08

i recommend stretching and self-massage, because these you can do whenever you have both hands free.

Last edited by ohnonot (2021-07-04 06:59:09)

KrunchTime · 2016-02-26 10:22:27

@PackRat: I switched to a trackball because I tired of the amount of space required to use a regular mouse. I'm going to go back to using a mouse, though. I'll happily give up space to not have to deal with tendonitis. I still think switching hands is a good idea, so I'm considering getting a mouse that can be used with either hand and I'm also looking into Wacom tablets. I figure with switching hands and mixing up pointing devices, I'll better my odds at not encountering tendonitis.

@ohnonot: There's no way I would attempt to massage the area in which I'm experiencing tendonitis. It's very painful if I touch it the wrong way or twist the joint. I've found a homeopathic anti-inflammatory ointment called Topricin I'm going to try. Right now, I apply something frozen to the area for 3 minutes throughout the day.

pvsage · 2016-02-26 10:35:05

^ What about a touchpad? I realize a lot of people poo-poo them, but it has to be easier on the tendons than clutching a mouse.

ohnonot · 2016-02-26 20:13:23

KrunchTime wrote:

It's very painful if I touch it the wrong way or twist the joint.

then you should see a doctor.

KrunchTime · 2016-02-29 13:22:22

@pvsage: I'm considering a Wacom Intuos tablet.

@ohnonot: I have a high deductible ($4,000), so I try not to go to the doctor unless necessary. I experienced a similar issue with my right thumb last August/September and that went away on it's own. Tendonitis usually does go away on its own based on the research I've done. My thumb has improved. I'm not sure if it's the Topricin, not using my left hand for the trackball, or a combination of the two.

Last edited by KrunchTime (2016-02-29 14:05:58)

Eraph · 2016-02-29 23:26:32

Have you tried a vertical mouse, like these fellas here?

KrunchTime · 2016-03-03 03:54:24

Eraph wrote:

Have you tried a vertical mouse, like these fellas here?

No, I have not but I have thought about them. The best-rated one from the research I've done is expensive. I've also read that they aren't exactly ergonomic because you are required to grip the mouse with your thumb and fingers. That concerns me with my recent experiences with tendonitis in both thumbs.

o9000 · 2016-03-17 21:48:06

I have the evoluent VM 4. It worked very well for me. It is somewhat expensive (a bit over $100), but when I lost a month of work due to pain it no longer seemed so.

Note that it takes about a week to get used to the new position and become accurate. There is also a fun factor: coworkers who try to use my computer aren't able to click anything

The left click button started to fail after 3 years of heavy usage, but it can be fixed (there are videos on Youtube on how to do it).

KrunchTime · 2016-04-11 08:29:03

@o9000: I don't know whether its the clicking or resting my hand on it or maybe a combination of both, but using a mouse gives me either tendonitis or fasciitis in my palm area. I thought the pain was tendonitis but my primary care doctor recently told me that it's fasciitis. Weird thing is that I don't always have it. The pain comes and goes, but when I have the pain, I have to be really careful how I grab things. I started having the issue in 1993 and have developed the habit of grabbing the stick shift of my manual transmission with the meaty edge of my right palm because of past experience of pain if I grab it with the palm area.

Re: left-click button...sounds like what happens to Logitech devices. I'm currently using a Logitech trackpad with clickable buttons. I'm wondering if I'll experience issues with the buttons on the trackpad sometime down the road.

KrunchTime · 2016-07-01 02:18:49

I just wanted to provide an update on my tendonitis issues. I am now using a Logitech Trackpad when using my desktop computer and I utilize keyboard shortcuts a lot whereas in the past, I hardly ever used them. I also take breaks every 50 minutes (workrave app rocks) and move around and do arm and finger stretches. The tendonitis is about 98-99% gone in my left thumb. It only bothers me once-in-awhile if I grip something hard (glass, metal, etc.) the wrong way too tightly.

Last edited by KrunchTime (2016-07-01 02:20:35)

pvsage · 2016-07-01 06:32:37

Thanks for the update, KrunchTime. I was just wondering about this, and am happy for your improvement.

OT: We have our differences, but I think you're a person I'd be happy to have a couple beers with. Pain when lifting a pint (or a glass of water, milk, whatever) is one drawback of tendinitis that many of us overlook, and just one example of how relatively "minor" medical conditions can have a major impact on your quality of life.

geekosupremo · 2016-07-01 15:39:57

Glad to hear that things are improving for you KrunchTime!

For me, doing what your described: breaks and stretching, helps a lot. I also found this -> http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VariGrip/ to be an easy way to strengthen away the pain. It's not expensive and when I use it regularly it helps a fair bit.

KrunchTime · 2016-08-01 23:38:55

@pvsage: Thanks, but no beers for me. Alcohol makes me tired and I don't need any help with being tired. ...just one example of how relatively "minor" medical conditions can have a major impact on your quality of life. Very well said and something I have experienced over the last 20 months. I have a herniated disc that is causing nerve issues in my left foot. Just had a second MRI to determine changes, if any, with the herniation. Go back to see doctor this month to determine possible course of action. Last appointment, my choices were: live with it, steriod injection, or microdiscectomy. I went the steroid injection route just over a year ago and it helped for one year, but I've read that steroids can do nasty things to your ligaments/joints if used too much.

@geekosupremo: Thank you for the kind words as well as the link to the product. I'll give it a look.

Last edited by KrunchTime (2016-08-01 23:42:40)

pvsage · 2016-08-02 08:36:56

KrunchTime wrote:

Thanks, but no beers for me.

End Wrenches then (OJ & tonic on the rocks); my favorite bartender/wingwoman knows it's my Standard Drink Order when I'm not drinking.

PackRat · 2016-08-02 13:55:46

but I've read that steroids can do nasty things to your ligaments/joints if used too much.

Yes, high dose and/or prolonged use can actually decrease the elasticity of your ligaments.

KrunchTime · 2016-08-03 22:15:20

@PackRat: I read about a hardcore raquetball player who developed issues with his elbow. Good doctors began refusing to give him further injections so he went to unethical (in my book) doctors who continued giving him injections. He ended up going to another doctor when his elbow gave out and the doctor stated that his elbow was basically mush and there was nothing that could be done for him.

Last edited by KrunchTime (2016-08-03 22:15:51)

static zap · 2016-08-29 00:22:27

I too remeber getting over zealous with a trackball . (because you can -just set it spinning a long way with a good flick )
Free rolling snake eye , a common misshap .

Did make be wonder about a Mouse modification app , I used on Atarti ST , it applied some non linear
quadratic to your movement , Slow stayed slow but
super fast got exponentially amplified .
Upshot - Less desk space required -
( yet to even ponder what words I need for Google )

Last edited by static zap (2016-08-29 00:25:04)

Snap · 2016-08-29 05:20:37

This mouse relieved all the pain from my hand. Completely. I've been using it for months... maybe more than a year and besides some limitations (no middle click mainly) I can say it's the best mouse I've ever had in terms of ergonomics/stress/strain/health. I never save pennies when I buy mice. I always go for the more ergonomic devices I can find first, then look the price tag. But this one wasn't in the usual costly top range I used to buy.

http://support.logitech.com/en_us/produ … mouse-m600

It's a kinda cross between a touchpad and a mouse. I was hesitant and really doubtful when I got it but turned out to be just fantastically easy on the hand. I wish It would support gestures and a couple of sensitive areas (way better than physical buttons) on the sides too. Then I would look no further. LOL.

Last edited by Snap (2016-08-29 05:42:19)

#1 2016-02-25 23:08:18

Ever Experience RSI Related Tendonitis?

#2 2016-02-26 00:36:14

Re: Ever Experience RSI Related Tendonitis?

#3 2016-02-26 07:32:08

Re: Ever Experience RSI Related Tendonitis?

#4 2016-02-26 10:22:27

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#5 2016-02-26 10:35:05

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#6 2016-02-26 20:13:23

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#7 2016-02-29 13:22:22

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#8 2016-02-29 23:26:32

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#9 2016-03-03 03:54:24

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#10 2016-03-17 21:48:06

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#11 2016-04-11 08:29:03

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#12 2016-07-01 02:18:49

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#13 2016-07-01 06:32:37

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#14 2016-07-01 15:39:57

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#15 2016-08-01 23:38:55

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#16 2016-08-02 08:36:56

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#17 2016-08-02 13:55:46

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#18 2016-08-03 22:15:20

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#19 2016-08-29 00:22:27

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#20 2016-08-29 05:20:37

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