Pain in the Wrist!

[gingerm]

Hi! Last week, I began a job as an Admin Asst/Personal Asst to the CEO. Although I have had the same responsibilities before, this is my first official Admin Asst title.

My question is this...does anyone know how to alleviate the pain in the wrist, forearm, and hand from writing/typing so much? Not to be a sissy, but I haven't written so much in years, and I'm feelin' the burn! Yes, I'm a rookie! I've tried anti-inflammatories, stretching, massage, heat, ice, trying to set my mouse up ergonomically...but nothing seems to help very much.

I'm sure it's just a matter of getting used to all the writing/typing (my boss dictates everything to me, which is fine with me, just not my hand!), but if anyone has any tips in the meantime, I'd really appreciate it if you'd share your wisdom.

Thanks all!
gingerm

[tiffanyctd]

For days that I have to type/write a lot, i've got compression gloves that help keep my hands and wrists from getting too sore. I found them at a sewing store (they're designed for people who do needlepoint). They're some sort of lycra or spandex material with the fingers and thumb cut out. They're kind of funny looking, but worth teasing I got when I first started wearing them.

[misslynn]

I have tendonitis so I have to be careful with my wrists.  I'll sometimes wear a wrist support (lycra with thumb and fingers cut out with an elastic band across the wrist section) to support the wrist and keep them straight.  You can buy one of these at your local grocery store.

Using a stress ball can build your muscles, just hold it in your hand and squeeze every few seconds (I'll do this while watching TV at night).  Sometimes I'll wrap my hand in a heating pad, sometimes I'll use IcyHot (can purchase at the grocery store).  Another helpful item is a parafin wax treatment, I've got one at home and the hot wax on my wrists feels just wonderful.

BTW, congrats on your new position!

[JessW]

Don't forget that if yhou use a small girthed pen/pencil you will have to or even start to tighten your grip on it if held for long periods of time.  Choose a larger girthed pen so you and/or one with a decent sized grip on it.

Best of luck.

Jess

[sking]

Hi gingerm

Congratulations on your new job. I do a huge amount of typing and find I get a bit of rheumatic pain in my fingers, so I wear a Magnetic Hematite bracelet. I find this does help. You can also get copper bracelets which are magnetic, which help with rheumatic pain. I don't know whether this would help you as you are doing so much writing and typing now, but its just a thought.

Some of the Magnetic Hematite bracelets are really attractive and don't look medicinal.

Good luck
Sarah

Edited by diamondlady on 01/02/06 01:13 PM.

[raindance]

I have an ergonomic keyboard, which is a great help to me.  I haven't had any pain in my hands since I began using it.  

I would advise you to have a risk assessment of your work station, and also to ensure that you have all the equipment and helps you can get for your particular condition.  You may "toughen up" a little as you progress and have more exposure to your work, but you really should try not to take too many risks with your health.

If you can vary your tasks and take proper breaks, then that should help, too.

Best wishes,

Raindance

[msmarieh]

Depending on how fast you type, I would suggest that you have the boss dictate into a dictaphone machine or else you type directly on the keyboard instead of writing and then typing your notes.

Marie

[gingerm]

Thanks for your help, suggestions, and congratulations!

The discomfort is getting better already!