*sigh* Maybe I'm On The Computer Too Much

[The Matt]

My hand recently started falling asleep when I type, when I use the mousepad, anything that puts stress on my fingers. It never did before. Any ideas what the problem could be?

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by The Matt

My hand recently started falling asleep when I type, when I use the mousepad, anything that puts stress on my fingers. It never did before. Any ideas what the problem could be?

the beginning of carpal tunnel syndrome (spelling)

[Cindy]

My bad, at first glance I thought you said your head fell asleep. Maybe I need some sleep.

[Cindy]

Oh yeah, what Prax said.

[HRea]

Originally Posted by The Matt

My hand recently started falling asleep when I type, when I use the mousepad, anything that puts stress on my fingers. It never did before. Any ideas what the problem could be?

I use a computer extensively for work and it sounds like it could be one (or a combination) of a few things:
1. too sharp of an angle of your wrists when typing
2. computer platform/desk having sharp angles that irritate your wrists
3. not enough support for your forearms
4. injuries to your wrists or forearms closing off the carpel tunnel to your hands
5. life stress or tension effecting the nerves in your shoulder which become evident in your hands
6. excessive use without a break

You just got a new computer (congratulation by the way) and you may be using it on your lap instead of a decent work surface.

[The Matt]

Originally Posted by HRea

I use a computer extensively for work and it sounds like it could be one (or a combination) of a few things:
1. too sharp of an angle of your wrists when typing
2. computer platform/desk having sharp angles that irritate your wrists
3. not enough support for your forearms
4. injuries to your wrists or forearms closing off the carpel tunnel to your hands
5. life stress or tension effecting the nerves in your shoulder which become evident in your hands
6. excessive use without a break

You just got a new computer (congratulation by the way) and you may be using it on your lap instead of a decent work surface.

It could very well be carpel tunnel, the way I use computers. I just thought I was immune to it. I've been using computers since I could talk.

[RandyWayne]

Matt, computers make us ALL ache in places we didn't even know we had places.

[Amanah]

Matt, try to keep your wrists level, maybe you can install a keyboard tray?

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

the beginning of carpal tunnel syndrome (spelling)

Yes and the spelling is perfect.

Get a wrist brace and sleep in it at night.

[HRea]

Originally Posted by The Matt

It could very well be carpel tunnel, the way I use computers. I just thought I was immune to it. I've been using computers since I could talk.

What carpal tunnel syndrome is...is an inflammation of the slippery tissues within the carpal tunnel in your wrist. The wrist consists of several small bones that allow your hand to swivel and bend; but you still need nerves and tendons and blood vessels to your hand. The main passage way through your wrist is call the carpal tunnel. When the slippery tissues is irritated, it swells - putting pressure on the median nerve - the main nerve to the hand. This pressure, in turn, causes pain or tingling or fingers falling asleep feeling. As it gets worse, permanent damage can occur.

It's most often blamed on repetitive motion...but what the real culprit is...is BAD repetitive motion (or injury, injuries can cause it too). Most likely due to the bad repetitive motion.

You can do all sorts of things to alleviate the pain (braces, meds, surgery, etc.) but it will come back if you don't correct what is causing it to begin with.