Let me tell you, folks, this stuff HURTS! I was suffering from terrible tendinitis (yes, that really is how it is supposed to be spelled!) in both my elbows due to the amount of time I spend on the computer at work and at home. This web site is just a hobby, but my 'real job' requires that I use the computer all day, too! I had physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, oral steroids, anti-inflammatory medications, you name it. We really worked on my elbows to get them calmed back down so they didn't hurt with every little movement. One of the things I did to help my elbows was change to an ergonomic keyboard at home and at work. It really helped, and my elbows are a lot better.

Unfortunately, while my elbows were getting better, I was developing a condition called DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis in my left wrist and thumb. This problem caused, for me anyway, extreme pain in my thumb, my wrist, and even the left side of the palm of my hand. We have tried several weeks of oral steroids (which caused me to gain weight, but helped for a while), a cortisone injection in my left wrist (VERY PAINFUL!), which didn't seem to help at all, and a brace which kept me from moving my thumb at all. The brace helped keep it from hurting so much, but the condition took forever to get better.

Now, the DeQuervain's has gone away, but the pain in my thumb continued. We found that, unfortunately, I have developed rather sever arthritis in my left thumb at the base (the carpometacarpal joint). It caused swelling and constant pain. I wore a custom brace all the time which kept the thumb from moving at the base. I could bend it at the top joint, though. I eventually had surger which removed the bone at the base of my thumb. It's been more than a year, and it rarely hurts any more. My left hand is significantly weaker than my right, though, even now. I suppose it always will be...

Here's some really good information about DeQuervain's, what causes it, they symptoms, and the treatment, and orthotic devices to help deal with DeQuervain's. Also, be sure to check out some of the books on the left!

If you have this problem, you have my sympathy, I assure you!

A Patient's Guide to DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis
Good information about everything involved with this condition.

Tenosynovitis of the Wrist
Great information about DeQuervain's Disease.

ErgoWeb: Proceedings from Managing Ergonomics in the 90's
You'll need to scroll down the page a bit to get to the section on DeQuervain's.

Thermoskin Thumb Spica Splint
This splint looks like it would be much more comfortable than the one I'm wearing. I'd order it, but I guess I'd better wait and see what the doc says next week.

Smart Glove with Thumb Support
I can't really tell if this brace immobilizes the thumb enough for what I need, but for some of you, it might be just the thing you need.

Split Keyboards
This site has some really unique keyboards that could help with Dequervain's or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (a close relative). They would take some getting used to, but they look very well thought out in that they would help keep the wrist, hands, and elbows in a more neutral position. If this keeps up, I may try one!

Typing Injury FAQ
This site gives lots of information on repetitive stress injuries resulting from keyboarding.