RSI Recovery 2.0?
July 29, 2015 11:51 AM
I have RSI symptoms in just one finger. I've recovered from RSI before, but I'm not sure how to proceed now. I'm looking for names of diagnosticians, and general tips from anyone who has had similar finger problems, either from computer use, or some similarly repetitive motion. I'm in NYC. Wall of text within.
I was diagnosed with tendinitis in both wrists nearly 15 years ago. This resulted in PT, OT, several months off work, a crash course in ergonomics. I recovered by making a lot of ergonomic and work-habit changes and, crucially, by following a slightly adapted version of Dr. Pascarelli's music medicine-inspired exercise regimen, which I still do.
Unfortunately, I got lax about seemingly unrelated ergonomic issues in the last few years. I have my laptop propped and tilted on a stand, with a large screen beside it. Over time, I've gotten into the habit of mousing with my left fingers on the laptop's trackpad, rather than using the ergonomically situated mouse under the desk. I've also noticed myself doing the same thing at work recently--where I also have a laptop--only in this case with my right hand.
Two weeks ago, I woke up with the middle finger of my left hand in pain. It ebbed and flowed, and I fell back to sleep. Then, because I'd had no prior symptoms, and because the finger only hurts in specific instances--if it's tugged on, moves laterally, or if I try to straighten or curl my hand tightly--I didn't pay that much attention to it. It does not hurt to type; nor does it hurt to move it straight up and down; ice seems to make no difference. A week in, however, I noticed the pain wasn't going away in all the specific instances listed above. Then I finally thought to look at my finger palm-side up, and compare it to the other finger. It is extremely swollen in the middle of the knuckle. So while my right-hand middle finger has a roughly tubular shape, its left-hand counterpart has a bit of a diamond shape around the knuckle.
I've since gotten x-rays, but no bones are broken. I was given a referral to a hand surgeon, but he only sees patients once a week, and does not answer the phone. Yesterday, I went to a physiotherapist, who clearly knew nothing about RSI. Bit by bit, I've worked out that I'm having another bout of RSI, and further that it was brought on by my thoughtless trackpadding habits. Now, obviously, I need to stop mousing on trackpads at odd angles with either hand. I also need to do my RSI exercise regimen more diligently. But I don't know what to do about the finger. I assume it is a tendon problem, but I don't really know enough to rule out a ligament problem. I also want to get diagnosed fast, to help prevent any worsening of the injury.
Can you recommend an experienced practitioner who can help diagnose the injury? Are there exercises for finger injuries? Have you had anything like this happen to you?
I was diagnosed with tendinitis in both wrists nearly 15 years ago. This resulted in PT, OT, several months off work, a crash course in ergonomics. I recovered by making a lot of ergonomic and work-habit changes and, crucially, by following a slightly adapted version of Dr. Pascarelli's music medicine-inspired exercise regimen, which I still do.
Unfortunately, I got lax about seemingly unrelated ergonomic issues in the last few years. I have my laptop propped and tilted on a stand, with a large screen beside it. Over time, I've gotten into the habit of mousing with my left fingers on the laptop's trackpad, rather than using the ergonomically situated mouse under the desk. I've also noticed myself doing the same thing at work recently--where I also have a laptop--only in this case with my right hand.
Two weeks ago, I woke up with the middle finger of my left hand in pain. It ebbed and flowed, and I fell back to sleep. Then, because I'd had no prior symptoms, and because the finger only hurts in specific instances--if it's tugged on, moves laterally, or if I try to straighten or curl my hand tightly--I didn't pay that much attention to it. It does not hurt to type; nor does it hurt to move it straight up and down; ice seems to make no difference. A week in, however, I noticed the pain wasn't going away in all the specific instances listed above. Then I finally thought to look at my finger palm-side up, and compare it to the other finger. It is extremely swollen in the middle of the knuckle. So while my right-hand middle finger has a roughly tubular shape, its left-hand counterpart has a bit of a diamond shape around the knuckle.
I've since gotten x-rays, but no bones are broken. I was given a referral to a hand surgeon, but he only sees patients once a week, and does not answer the phone. Yesterday, I went to a physiotherapist, who clearly knew nothing about RSI. Bit by bit, I've worked out that I'm having another bout of RSI, and further that it was brought on by my thoughtless trackpadding habits. Now, obviously, I need to stop mousing on trackpads at odd angles with either hand. I also need to do my RSI exercise regimen more diligently. But I don't know what to do about the finger. I assume it is a tendon problem, but I don't really know enough to rule out a ligament problem. I also want to get diagnosed fast, to help prevent any worsening of the injury.
Can you recommend an experienced practitioner who can help diagnose the injury? Are there exercises for finger injuries? Have you had anything like this happen to you?
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My suggestion: Go to your general practitioner and see if you can get a referral to someone who deals with RSI-related hand issues in your area who is not solely a surgeon, whether a physical therapist or a different type of doctor or what have you. Definitely don't just go with hand surgery as a first option—hands are too important to not investigate more conservative options.
posted by limeonaire at 7:05 PM on July 29, 2015