The Hoboken Cafe 

Hi all..I have been non-stop on my computer doing a project for work and now have this excruciating pain that shoots up my arm and mostly in my wrist..I purchased a energy wrist band to help it somewhat but can anyone offer any suggestions or has anyone experienced this..? thanx

Well the best thing is rest but I know how difficult that can be when your job requires a lot of computer time. There are wrist bands that have a metal plate that presses against the underside of the wrist and the lower part of the palm that might help a bit. You could always get your job to buy you an ergonomic keyboard if the problem persists, or voice activated software.

thanx hahha but they wont go the route of changing my desk around ..my former employer who I loved , had a company come in and totally re-do my entire office ..I went home headache and backache free....I will try to rest it but I have NJ State Banking Commission reports due ughhhhh which required one whole day (10) hours of leaning over my desk...

Well, here are things I can suggest

1. Go to a massage therapist. They can show you what areas to massage (there is one tendon that extends from the arms to the hand) or rub to get circulation and loose the tendons.

2. Linnetbird is right. Rest also helps. ake a break inbetween typing like taking a break to rest your eyes.

3. Linnetbird is right again. Ergomonic keyboards, mouse will help too.

4. Take up a hobby that requires your hands but not typing. Knitting, origami, clay sculptures, etc.

5. Stretch your hands and arms. Bend your wrists inward to your arm (towards your chest) and hold and then do the reverse (like a prayer but you apply pressure to get the stretch). But not too hard. Rotate your wrist too. Get motion in your hands and wrist other than typing.

6. File for workers comp :)

Hey Nancy1116,
The first thing I would suggest is to see your physician. Typing can create several repetitive stress injuries, such as, tendenitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Your doctor may suggest an anti-inflamatory such as ibuprofen, cortisone injection, or visiting with an occupational therapist (depending on the severity of symptons). The therapist has a number of modalities available to help reduce your pain and strengthen the many muscles and tendons, in your wrist that may be causing you problems.
In the mean time I would suggest rest first of all, If it is a form of tendinitis this is diffanetly the best solution. If you can not rest atleast try to curb the amount of typing you do. You can also try icing to help reduce inflamation of tendons, ligaments, and muscles, and stretching to help reduce the tightness. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments have a terrible tendency to tighten and or swell when injured.
Good Luck,
Brent Brookbush NASM, NSCA, IFPA CPT & ACSM H/FI

Nancy,
Is your keyboard on a slide out tray under your desk? If not, try putting it inside the desk drawer. For ideal ergonomics the keyboard should only be a few inches above your lap. Also, type s-l-o-w-l-y.

Windy

It's carpal tunnel. You should see your doctor. I'm guessing that it's at the beginning stage and you won't need surgery, but the earlier you target it, the better. Your doctor will tell you which wrist band you need and give you some helpful exercises to do to strengthen your hand.
Good luck.

This is also the domain of a good occupational therapist. {cough}