Re: [Leica] carpal tunnel syndrome

["Dan Post" <dwpost@email.msn.com>]

Francesco-
When I was in police communications, we used computer assisted dispatch
equipment, worked twelve hour shifts, and CTS was endemic!
If you are starting to get the symtoms, try to avoid anyone cutting on you,
if possible, for as long as possible because if you are one of the 15% who
are not helped, it is not a pleasant experience!
We found that a proper work station height was important- don't have the
keyboard too high in relation to your body- ours were around 'bellybutton'
height, and the chairs were adjustable. Change positions frequently,
meaning, change the chair angle (back) and the height as well. Don't type
with the wrist 'broken', that is at too severe an angle- I set my keyboard
back about 6-8 inches from the edge of the desk, and rest the forearm on the
table rather than the wrist. A foam pad in front of the keyboard helps too,
since it helps keep the wrist from flexing back too much. If you have the
symptoms, you can get a wrist brace that reduces the motion and can give the
wrist a rest while the inflammation goes down, and if the pain is severe, a
cortisone shot in the affected area will give you relief- but use the brace
nonetheless as it will keep the repetitive motion that started it all to a
minimum.
Hope you get to feeling better- CTS is no fun... especially if it gets in
your right wrist! You can't crank the film advance as fast! ( another
argument for a motor drive!)
Dan
- - been there, done that, and it hurts like hell!)
- ----- Original Message -----
From: Francesco Sanfilippo <fls@san.rr.com>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: Friday, August 06, 1999 12:42 AM
Subject: [Leica] carpal tunnel syndrome


Hi LUGgers:

Has anyone here experienced Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?  I think I may
be developing it and I am curious to hear some first hand accounts of
how it was handled or managed.  I sit at my computer for a MINIMUM
of 10 hours every day, usually more like 12-14.  Why?  I am a
web programmer and internet developer, and I like to read the LUG!

My problem started just a few weeks ago with a gradual
development of a numbing sensation in the wrist and outer two fingers
of my right hand.  Sometimes they get so painful and numb that they
feel COLD compared to the rest of my hand.  I am getting concerned
since there is no way possible to reduce computer keyboard time
without getting another job.  I have read that a simple surgery corrects
the problem permanently in 85% of cases.

Essentially, the median nerve is squeezed abnormally to numbness
by the inflammation of ligaments and tendons (caused by extended
use and repetitive motions) passing through the carpal tunnel
(a passageway through the bones of the wrist).

Any experiences with CTS would be much appreciated.....thank you!

Francesco