Off Topic - Computer Freaks...advice?

[PonderBee]

I am looking for advice and I thought some of you might have firsthand information/experience.

My 15 yo son is a computer freak like you. For Xmas his only request was for programming books. He spends hours upon hours on the computer - much of it spent gaming. Now he is complaining of pain in his wrists and forearms which leads me to believe that he may well be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. Naturally, I plan to call the doctor for a firsthand assessment ... but do you have any practial advice - other than the obvious spend less time on the computer. Thanks :smooch:

[Warrior413]

NOOO!!!! He's fine! Leave him be, all will be well.

[Boneca]

If he can, get him to try using the mouse with his left hand for a while (it's at least better than not being able to use a computer at all).
Else, does he have a mousepad with a wrist-rest? I don't know about it scientifically, but I got one when I started to have pains, and it helped.

[purple13]

I'd get him the 'puter books, then he'll be reading instead of typing.

[Sir Isaac Lime]

They make these little squishy balls that you can squeeze (yes I know) that will strengthen the hand muscles. This is probably what the doctor will eventually tell him to do.

[indie]

If he can, get him to try using the mouse with his left hand for a while (it's at least better than not being able to use a computer at all).
Else, does he have a mousepad with a wrist-rest? I don't know about it scientifically, but I got one when I started to have pains, and it helped.

Or his right hand, if he's left-handed.

Recently, I've noticed problems with my posture, using the mouse exclusively right-handed (my dominant hand) . . . I tend to be comfortable in a posture where my right shoulder is slightly forward from my left shoulder, slightly slouched in that direction. Back/shoulder problems might be a worry as well; suggesting that he use both hands equally for the mouse -- that he become mouse ambidexterious -- might help.

Also, yoga might help. . . I've not taken a yoga class for some time, but I do remember that the arm/hand exercises were especially helpful for computer-using hands and arms.

[PonderBee]

ROFL little squishy balls ... I'm bad I know, I'm a dork - is being juvenile an INTP characteristic? It is a good idea & I'll try it along with moving the mouse for now. Thanks :)

[pintpi]

Humm, 15 years old, on the computer all the time, sore wrist and forearm. Sounds like symtoms of playing with something other than the mouse.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[PonderBee]

Humm, 15 years old, on the computer all the time, sore wrist and forearm. Sounds like symtoms of playing with something other than the mouse.

Bad man! BAD ;P

[mgb]

Sign him up for some football.

Seriously though, maybe some sports wouldn't be a bad idea. Even martial arts.

[garak]

Get a better keyboard. I like my typematrix (http://typematrix.com) -- it definitely helped with typing soreness, although didn't eliminate it. Mouse makes me sore too.

Make sure that when mousing, the surface is at such a level that his wrist is not bent backwards at all. If it's down low, it's inevitably gonna cause carpal tunnel, given enough use.

[CoHo]

Yeah, better keyboard.

Also you may want to investigate how his desk is set up. You don't want a tiny desk where both your arms are held up at an angle just to move the mouse or keyboard.

[Chall T. Dow]

Yeah, any type of finger/hand/wrist/forearm stretches and exercises will help. And check the stuff like how his desk is arranged,ie. propers heights for desk, chair, monitor, etc.

Chall T. Dow

[PonderBee]

He plays lacrosse, it is the pre-season right now which was the impetus for him to complain about the discomfort - the stickwork has become uncomfortable. He has me somewhat frustrated because it is now apparent to me that he "hid" the discomfort prior to lacrosse season - probably for fear that we'd curtail his time spent on the computer. PITA
Thankfully tomorrow is Friday - planning to shop for him early Saturday.

[Tybeas]

mm... don`t know if something like this exist but, I use my laptop, and I got a "mouse pointer" in the middle of my keyboard, so when I don`t need lot of precision, or don`t need to use my left hand for some other stuff (no not just for what you think, perverts), I use my left hand with the mouse pointer instead, gives a rest to my right hand I find..

And also, what do you have to do in order to get that carpian tunnel problem ? Cause I`m looking forward to get a few sick days or weeks with this if I can at my job lol. Heh I have to make this money I invested in my life insurrance worth something no ???? 8O

[Thermo]

PonderBee:
1.) get a microsoft natural keyboard and good mouse pad.
2.) try philipino martial arts for hand strength. Escrima, etc
3.) Computer books - go to the library its free. Thinking in X. Perl is a good language to start with.

[Dunearhp]

Install one of those programs that reminds him to stand up and flex his fingers every half hour. Also consider a seeing a physiotherapist for advice. Ensure gaming sessions have long breaks every couple of hours, they require more repetetive movement than general computer usage.

Make sure that he knows that if he doesn't nip it in the bud then it can become a long term problem. I have read horror stories on some mailing lists. Regular rests are better than having to forgo typing for a couple of months.