Hi

I'm right handed and my hand is starting to show carpal tunnel syndromes. I've been messing with computers for 30 years now. I've tried vertical mouse, trackballs, stretching... but i feel for me there's no really good solution, but simply to switch hand.

Anybody did the switch ? Also, anyone here using a DAW with a mouse in the left hand ? Curious to know how it goes for you with keyboard shortcuts. It sure is hard having to remap my brain to this new configuration. I'm slow as hell right now but i hope to regain some speed.

Have you tried a trackball? They make quite a few now with a more natural wrist rotation/grip, designed for carpal tunnel prevention.

I switch the mouse back and forth between left and right hands. That part is fine but, as you suggested, short-cuts are a pain. Fortunately, I don't use that many. If I was anything more than a hobbyist, I'd have to rethink things.

I've read several people saying thumb trackballs have their own problems and are nowhere near a solution. It seems finger trackballs are a bit better, but i'm no expert.

As my doctor friend explained...thumbs are for power, fingers for articulation and precision: Especially the fore and middle fingers.

I can't tell if your carpal tunnel trouble comes from mouse use, but when i had it i got help that fixed the problem within a few weeks. Not everybody "believes" it works, though.

I would definitely try a Kensington trackball. I also use a graphics tablet and an X-Keys to minimise the number of key clicks I do, and split usage between my hands. I've found it quite easy to use the Trackball with my left hand and the graphics pen with my (dominant) right.

what I have found IS a solution is to simply mix it up. Yes if you switch to a trackball, there will be different repetitive movements, but repetitive nonetheless.

But if you use a variety of pointing devices, your stresses will be spread out - they won't be as repetitive. I have mouse, trackball and trackpad all connected. I still use mostly the mouse but switch off often enough to keep myself from getting sore.

Pro Tools has an app for the tablet or phone that lets you do certain things with touch and gesture that you might otherwise use a mouse for. I am sure many DAWs have something similar.

I am not saying involving your left hand is a bad idea- it might even help your drumming, etc! But obviously if you used only your left hand from now on, your left hand would get the carpal tunnel.

OP - Have you tried a trackpad?

Agreed. I’ve been going between a mouse right handed + Magic Trackpad right handed + Magic Trackpad left handed and it seems to be the best option so far. Left handed mouse was a nightmare with keyboard shortcuts, I let it go.

Trackballs I feel are problematic too, and I feel trackpad are more easy on the hand and more precise. But to each his own.

Osteo/physio?

It's possible though there will be a learning curve, I'm ambidextrous and injured my hand pretty good at one point, so I did that, it still took a little more effort because I don't use a mouse with my left hand, this could be a really good solution for you, it will initially slow you down but then you'll be faster and your right hand will feel better hopefully

Of course that are two of the possibilities i would try.

Kensington and Logitech trackballs are brutal on my hand/wrist.

I think it must be somewhat individual, as far as what really works best.

joeq hit on an important take, imo, just changing it up somehow.

I really like the Logitech cordless optical trackman
https://www.newegg.com/logitech-9043...82E16826104125


Unfortunately it is discontinued and not for left hand.
But does not uses thumb other than the buttons and have some kind of hand rest.