I’m thumbless today on my right hand due to overuse of my several year old trackball. My thumb is in a splint and I’m having to learn to rely more on my left hand. I understand splints are controversial but it discourages me from using my thumb, so I’m happy.

I have been procrastinating purchasing a Wacom pen for several months now and am debating on if I can use one now. It may turn out to be the solution I’m looking for, or exactly the wrong thing. Not sure…

This situation has directed my thoughts towards ways to prevent and care for ‘programmer hand’, as I like to call it. Repetitive use is a serious challenge for those of us who use keyboards and mice/trackballs/etc. for 8 or more hours daily.

Some of us get shoulder issues, while others get hand and wrist issues. Or we could get knee issues from sitting all day (your leg tendons actually shorten) or back issues. How do we take care of ourselves when we need to sit and type for extended periods without interruption?

Exercise

Exercise is probably the most effective solution. By building up our core stomache muscles, back problems can be lessened dramatically. I have to work on this area due to spending my formative years working in manufacturing and restaurants (heavy lifting) and heredity. I’m guessing this can also be done in the hands.

Environment

Our environment is another large factor. Having the right chair, input devices, table height, etc. can save a lot of pain. I’ve been pretty careful in this area due to reasons mentioned above. I’ve also learned a lot of keyboard short-cuts to lessen my need for reaching for my trackball. The trackball was a solution for ‘mouse fingers’; this is when your fingers ache from gripping the mouse too much.

Change of Equipment

Despite all this, it was my trackball that seems to have done me in. I’ve been using the same one for at least 3-4 years. I can type ok today despite not using my right thumb but it takes a lot more thought and is a lot slower. I’m shopping for a replacement.

Any ideas? Is the programmable Wacom a solution once my thumb tendon calms down? Should I train my left hand a bit? I am going to try to use my left hand more. Honestly, I have no choice right now.

Keyboard Shortcuts

In addition to using my left hand more, I’m planning to increase my use of keyboard short-cuts. Which means learning the VIM editor in greater detail, visual mode and all.

Related Links:

• Tendonitis.net
• Tendonitis Prevention for Programmers
• Repetitive Strain Injury
  
• Yoga for RSI/CTS
• Google Gadget - stretch reminders
• Sorehand - University of California, San Francisco