wrist worries

[jwgh]

I've noticed that my right wrist has been a little sore for the past couple of weeks. It is mostly noticeable in situations where it is particularly extended, such as when I'm playing a wide piano chord with that hand.

I read a little on the web about RSI and I think maybe it isn't that, but maybe it is. The things that I spend a lot of time doing are computery stuff, playing music, and knitting, all of which put strain on the wrists, so.

The question of how to deal with this arises. So:

- I am going to cut substantially down on my knitting for a while, until I see a doctor or until I feel better. There is one project that I have to get done by October 13, but it's almost done anyway, so there is no rush on it and I might just set it aside for a couple of weeks, particularly since it's on #2 needles. (Smaller needles seem to be a lot harder for me to work with, and I sort of wonder if my rush to finish the Debbie Bliss 4-ply baby sweater of dqqm precipitated this little problem.)

- After the October 1 show I might stop doing music for a while. I haven't decided about this exactly. This may be something I need to ask a doctor about.

- I will pay more attention to walking again, as I have been slacking off in that area some in recent weeks, and walking is exercise (which is good for RSI-type stuff I gather) and also will be time when I'm not using my wrists for anything much.

- I will try to make an appointment to see a doctor this week (which I should do anyway as I'm due for a checkup).

So there it is. I'm making this post partly so that people who are used to seeing me with walking around with knitting needles everywhere will know why I don't have them, and also to see if other people who have experience with these sorts of problems think I'm on the right track or not.

(I should say that this isn't particularly painful right now; at worst it's a bit of a distraction at times. I'm mainly worried that it will get worse.)

Comments

[paperclippy.livejournal.com]

As someone with a chronic wrist problem, I think you are doing the right thing by cutting back and going to see a doctor. If it is tendonitis or something like that, then even though it doesn't hurt much now, if you continue to do the same things despite the pain, it will get much much worse and then you will have to cut out a lot of what you are doing and it will take months to recover (I don't even know how long it's been since I picked up my knitting needles). Also take some time to make sure the ergonomics of your computer desk are good, and your technique for music is good (not too much tension in the wrist). Since it is your right hand I might also suggest switching the mouse to your left hand.

Anyway, good luck, hopefully your wrist will recover soon!

[jwgh]

Thanks for the advice! I will try the mouse thing. It feels pretty strange!

[samantha2074.livejournal.com]

I was going to suggest the mouse switching as well. It helped me when I was having wrist pains. It does take some getting used to, but I eventually became as proficient with my left hand as my right.

[sanspoof.livejournal.com]

Seconded. It is cool to do things left-handed.
You could even learn to knit lefty. Might help.