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I think it's from using my thumbs on my laptop...but I have pain in the fleshy part of my thumb, and thumb joint...
Currently (knock wood) it is the only part of riding that is difficult; but after I grade papers or ride it hurts. HOlding a pen or the bars...
Anyone have any suggestions? Any hand excercises?
hands are pretty intricate and crucial critters. Can you go see a hand therapist? (most likely an occupational therapist with a speciality in hands)
(I wouldn't want to try to work with a hand over the internet.)
Meanwhile, how about some ice and a nice big-grip pen like a Dr. Grip?
Yes. I just remembered I have a friend who is an OT..
Yes. Ice. OK Dr Grip...:D
I have no great suggestions, only healing wishes. Good luck with the OT, I hope s/he can help you out! How are you using your thumbs on the laptop that is making them hurt? Is it just the spacebar, or are you reaching them down to a touchpad mouse or something like that?
I too am wondering how the laptop is postioned. From an ergonomic prespective postioning could be the key to comfort. Also do you have any nerve pain running up your arm?
well..it is on my lap. it is a MacBook. I tend to use my thumb on the spacebar AND to click the mousepad. I use my middle finger for the mouspad.
I get this a lot, and it can really hurt! I noticed last night that the MacBook "Everything Mac" booklet has a diagram of how your hands should be positioned, at least from above.
For me, it's a combination of things: writing a lot, a certain pair of gloves with the padding just a little off of where it should be, and knitting. If you ride or write more than I do, that would take the place of the knitting fatigue :)
For home treatment, I try to do massage the thumb muscle during the day and I experimented with gloves and hand positions on the bike. I find that the hoods sometimes migrate inwards, and I have to move them back where they belong; that helped. And the glove padding--if it is too much in the wrong place, that seems to matter. (It got worse when I got new gloves)
Good luck!
My thumbs and wrists are much happier since I set my touchpad up for tap-click (I'm on a MacBook also). And the two-fingered scrolling eliminates two clicks altogether. It's all in System Preferences under Keyboard and Mouse.
Writing, knitting, embroidery, riding, typing...we do it all here too...
I will definately check my System Preferances for options..great idea.
My doctor has me use ICE (she says take a break every hour or so to ice it) and at night, Castor Oil slathered on and cotton gloves...(to prevent staining. Castor Oil is a powerful anti inflammatory...but it wasn't much help there.
Since I've become mindful, they are better...
thanks.
OMG Oak Leaf!!!! Brilliant!! It'll take some habit changing...but I think it will help a great deal!!