From: dashiell@nadc.nadc.navy.mil (Jude DaShiell)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: carpal tunnel syndrome material
Date: 4 Sep 92 20:04:19 GMT
Reply-To: dashiell@nadc.nadc.navy.mil (Jude DaShiell)
X-Fidonet: Split

Index Number: 24358

Since this is a preventable disability if handled correctly I've been
gathering messages from other lists on it and will share them
with all of you now:

First, let me give the advice carpal lists emphatically give: if your
arms, hands, wrists, or shoulders hurt, see a doctor NOW! How soon you
get help can be the difference between months of pain, incomplete
recovery, the necessity of finding work that doesn't require much hand
movement, etc., on the one hand, and good recovery without surgery and
being able to continue in the work for which you have training and
experience. I got physical therapy right away, and I can type 2 or 3
hours a day now after a few weeks of lighter duty.
There are GIF files, viewable on a graphical workstation (like a Sun) of
several alternative keyboards. The one that looks most useful to me will
start shipping in October; I've got an order in. It's just like a
standard 101 key keyboard, except it's been cut into three pieces: a
zig-zag line with lefthand keys in one piece, right hand keys in another
piece, and the two key pads on the right in a third piece. You can
positoin and lock in place each piece as you find most comfortable.
Ergonomic studies find that many people are more comfortable if they can
type with their wrists half way up to vertical, instead of parallel to
the table. We had a head crash and I lost my copy of the general info
from these groups. Someone from Sorehand (address below) will, I think,
send you a big general info file. It may come only in his monthly mass
mailing.
Take breaks from your typing: 10 minutes out of each hour if you have no
symptoms, more often if you have symptoms. If you have a variety of work
duties, do some of your typing in the morning, some in the afternoon. Do
exercises: stretch your arms out straight, raise and lower your hands
several times. Rotate your hands ten times (making circles in the air
with your fingertips.  Make tight fists, hold for one second,
then stretch your fingers out wide and hold for five seconds. Repeat
several times.
This is well-recognized as work-related injury, so all medical expenses
and special equipment should be covered. Point out to your boss that a
decent chair, work-table, wrist rest, and such, are far cheaper than
your surgery and months of lost time.
The keyboard I mentioned above is the Comfort Keyboard, from the Helath
Care Keyboard Co., N82 W15340 Appleton Ave, Suite L, Menomonee Falls, WI
53051 (414) 253-4131, Fax 414 253-4177. This doesn't constitute a
recomendation by the US govmt (for which I work) or any of its
components. The keyboard is $590, they will be shipping a PC version and
a Mac version. They have a professional-looking description independent
research done into its effectiveness, that you can show your boss.    If
you're on a mainframe, you can get a board and software to connect to
the mainframe from a PC, nearly as fast as the straight co-ax
connection.
Now I've used up my morning quota of typing time. Write me if you have
more questions.

              Tendonitis etc.." <SOREHAND@UCSFVM.BITNET>
is one list; it isn't on the bitnet list of lists. Here's the official
description of another list.

C+Health on LISTSERV@IUBVM                  Computing and Health
            or LISTSERV@IUBVM.UCS.INDIANA.EDU
	[Last Updated 12-October-1991]

   C+Health is intended to promote sharing of information, experiences,
   concerns, and advice about computers and health.  Anecdotal evidence,
   media reports, and some formal studies suggest that computer users
   are at risk from misuse and overuse of computers.  Eyestrain,
   headache, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other apparently
   computer-related maladies are increasing.  And, it would appear that
   colleges, universities, and other institutions have been slow to
   respond with education, training, office and lab design, furniture
   purchasing, and other programs that could make computing more
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   We welcome questions and answers;  article and book reviews;
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   CSMICLC@UCLAMVS.BITNET.

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I just purchased and installed a keyboard "wrist rest" and elevator from
the Self Care catalog (1-800-345-3371).  It provides adjustable support
for your wrists and a platform enabling you to tilt your keyboard.  I've
had it for 3 days and it helps.
 -- Elizabeth (eroderic@leo.vsla.edu)  (804) 786-2975 W

You can send directly to

 Dan Wallach <dwallach@nas.nasa.gov>

to get about 700 lines of info and sources of more info: 8 or 10
keyboard companies, etc. Ask for his FAQ files.
There is a company in Chicago--The BackCare Corp, (312)-258-0888--that sells
a device (not a keyboard) that supports wrists (and arms) while allowing
movement in a flat plane.  They cost about $150 U.S. each and have helped me
a great deal.  The supports can be mounted on edge of your desk or on the arms
of your chair.  The company also sells several lines of chairs that are
ergonomically adjustable to prevent other computer-related work problems.
(No, I do not get a commission from them--I'm just a customer, not the
president.)

>From: Rusty Perrin
>I'm sure I have seen a list dedicated to carpal tunnel syndrome, but I could
>not find it scanning through. Perhaps someone else can help you find it. Is
>your keyboard on a low table? Your hands should be about even with your
>elbows, and letting your wrists rest on the table in front of the keyboard is
>also good. Normal desk height is too high. There are also pads similar to
>mouse pads that are about 2 inches deep and as wide as your keyboard, that can
>sit in front of the keyboard to make resting your wrists there more
>comfortable.

The device you are talking about is a wrist rest they are avaliable from
Curtis product # CUR WR-1 list for around $15.  Mail order catalog cheeper.
There are other brands but this is one we use.  Seems to help.

One man's solution is to fold a hand towel to a thickness that matches the
keyboard's, and use that as a wrist rest.   It can be refolded as its
surface gets grimy, and is righthandy when the coffee spills......