I’ve got a bit of wrist tendinitis. I think it is somehow related to my compulsive computing. Also I’m a touch typer and like to type really fast, especially when I’m in the zone (usually with headphones on and iTunes keeping the beat) with design and code flowing out of my head, onto the keyboard, and into an IDE.
I went to one doctor and she thought that there was nothing wrong with me. And that unless my wrist was getting a bit bent out of shape while I was sleeping, then there was nothing she could do. Well I didn’t know if that was happening, so I didn’t get anything.
So the problem continues and I go to another doctor. This guy understands me and is the closest to being a General Practitioner for me (though I think he is officially an Internal Medicine specialist). He determines that yes, I do have some tendinitis and I should probably get a wrist splint when I sleep at night. However, he recommends using a rollerblading wrist guard. This was a step forward, but pretty uncomfortable. I tried some other ones and they were also uncomfortable.
Then I ran across the Smart Glove and the Pil-O-Splint by IMAK. They’re both designed by an orthopedic surgeon, meaning that the guy knows about wrists. The Smart Glove is good for helping me type during the day. I use it occasionally, when my wrist really acts up.
However, I still use the Pil-O-Splint every night. It’s like a special pillow for your wrist. It keeps your wrist mostly immobilized and allows it to heal overnight. I don’t type in my sleep (haven’t figured out how to do that yet), so restricted movement is no big deal. The only thing I’ve had to learn how to do is to adjust my blanket and pillow with my left hand, since my right wrist is the one that is weaker for me, probably because I’m right handed and use the mouse with that hand as well.
I actually forgot my Pil-O-Splint at my hotel at WWDC 2005, so I had to decide recently whether or not to buy one. Well I tried to without it for a few days, but noticed my wrist was getting bent uncomfortable while sleeping and was sore. So I ordered it yesterday from Amazon for almost half price of what I originally paid for it (retail from the manufacturer’s site). I paid for ground, but amazingly, it arrived this morning USPS Priority! Thanks Amazon for reading my mind. Now it’s off to rest my wrist in my brand new Pil-O-Splint…
I have the same problem and it’s gotten to the point where I have this weird swollen bump on my wrist getting bigger and bigger as each night. i’m totally going to try out this product. Thanks!