Repetitive stress injuries

[vmirat]

I've developed pain in my right elbow and forearm due to a lot of CAD work. Any recommendations for alleviating this pain? I want to keep my job without becoming disabled.

 

[Adrian2]

Dear vmirat;

Your elbows hurt too eh !, I find using a cordless mouse and keyboard allows me to position my arms so that my elbows dont have to grind into my desk surface all day. I also get away from the computer when I can. Even when I was drafting with pencil and paper it was smart to get away from the board for 10 minutes every two hours or so. You need to rest your eyes as well as your arms. Regular exercise is also helpful.

Regards Adrian D.

 

[pardal]

Hi all you there:
After drawing for the las 10 years I sufered the same , and furthermore than taking a relief , I begun to use my left hand , it works well.
Now I often shift from on arm to the other.

Pardal

 

[paron]

Stretch your hands and forearms by putting them straight out, and using one hand, gently pull the other back toward the elbow, first up, then down. Do it every time you save your work or take a break.

If you're really locked up, try a massage therapist. He or she can show you how to self-massage those muscles so that they 'unclench'. They should NOT feel like cords in your forearms, they should feel like warm worms or bread dough. Hard to describe, easy to feel with a little training.

Ron

 

[Hush]

I also have developed the same problem. It is caused by damage to the nerve sheath where it runs over the elbow joint. In severe cases you will find the outer fingers on that hand going numb, sort of the opposite of carpal tunnel. Damage can become permanent.

According to the doctor I saw, it was originally known as barfly elbow (caused by leaning on the bar at the local pub). I found I was resting my elbow on the arm of my chair, I now make a conscious effort to try to keep my elbow elevated. Now the problem is I'm getting shoulder pain.

 

suggest a padded mouse mat....it worked for me.

 

suggest a padded mouse mat....it worked for me.