Wrist Pain and Ergonomics

[chicgeek]

Of course it is. A computer work station is the perfect ground for repetitive strain injuries.

Take lots of breaks and get a theraband for strengthening exercises.

[helpfulhand]

There are still many things you can do. I am a masters level Occupational Therapist, with nearly 20 years of experience, but I won't pretend to diagnose you over the internet, especially when several Dr's don't know the answer. First, did you get a shot of cortizone or other strong anti-inflammatory drug? You listed 3 over the counter drugs, you may need something stronger.
Have you tried icing the affected area, 10 - 15 minutes 2-3 times daily should be good.
There are principles for treating Repetitive Strain Injuries, which you may have. You probably learned them from your therapists, but I'll repeat some for you just in case. If its' another problem, these modifications will still help. But modifying your activities, more than temporarily may be needed.
The first course of treatment usually involves rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, ice, and splints, (wear splints all night, and dayime, 3-4 hours on, 1-2 hours off, and when using your hands.
Avoid prolonged pinching and grasping, especially with your hands in an awkward position. Are you continuously grasping and pinching the book when you read. If so, get a book holder or page turner.
Keep your wrists in a relatively straight position, using wrist braces during activities can help with this. Avoid forceful movements with your hands. In other words, use the minimum amount of force you can get away with whenever you use your hands. Take frequent rest breaks when working with your hands. Keep good posture, with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor, and you wrists straight. You can make simple modifications from home materials such as raising the height of your computer screen by putting a phone book under it, or putting pillows or books, etc, under your seat, feet, or keyboards to adjust height. If you want fancy and expensive "ergonomic" equipment, feel free.

Is the tablet something you write with? There will be some new supports that help with writing coming out on the market soon.
This may take months to see the difference. After a few weeks of rest and assuming the pain gets better, you will want to start exercising the hand and wrist, stretching and strengthening together.
If all of this fails, 2 more suggestions. Find a Dr. of Traditional Chinese medicine, and let him or her give you accupuncture treatments. You can also study the ancient chinese healing art of Chi Gong. It will help you learn to control your pain.

After all of this, you may need to find another Dr. until you find the answers you need. Find an ortho Dr that is a hand specialist. find the best one you can, or go to the Mayo clinic. It will cost you no more to see the worlds' finest dr. than an ordinary one, ecept maybe for transportation.

[chicgeek]

On that note, try not to bump threads, particularly if they are over a year old.

[helpfulhand]

Originally Posted by chicgeek

On that note, try not to bump threads, particularly if they are over a year old.

Sorry, I'm new to using forums and new to this site. Just trying to help someone in pain. What do you mean by bumping threads? Being very late, perhaps I missed it being an old post.
Regards

[Rankenstein]

If you post in a thread, it *bumps* it up to the top of the reading list in that particular forum. You can see the date something was posted above the name of the person who made the post. Like just above your name in your last post, the date and time is when you made the post.

Never mind. It was a good post you made, albeit 15 months late

[helpfulhand]

Thanks. That's basic treatment advise, so it is still good for anyone with similiar wrist and hand problems. I am a licensed and experienced therapist and happy to help someone in need

[Kryvast]

Originally Posted by chicgeek

On that note, try not to bump threads, particularly if they are over a year old.

Then threads aging a year old should be closed to avoid such issues I guess?

[helpfulhand]

Or post dates written larger