laptop = arm ache?

i've been using my laptop a lot recently and i lean my left arm on the front of the laptop and use my index finger on the finger pad.

i almost always have an ache in my finger when i'm using my laptop, as if it's burning me; but now the ache has started to spread up my arm. it's one of those really annoying aches as well, it just won't go away!

could this pain actually be to do with the (over?)use of my laptop, or what?
(nb. it's not practical for me to get a laptop mouse)

Reply 1

CoolioVendetta

I'm not entirely sure about the ache, but you could try typing using all your fingers instead :P

Reply 2

Eccentric Man

8

Anonymous

i've been using my laptop a lot recently and i lean my left arm on the front of the laptop and use my index finger on the finger pad.

i almost always have an ache in my finger when i'm using my laptop, as if it's burning me; but now the ache has started to spread up my arm. it's one of those really annoying aches as well, it just won't go away!

could this pain actually be to do with the (over?)use of my laptop, or what?
(nb. it's not practical for me to get a laptop mouse)

The fact this is an anonymous post poses a question over what the other hand is tied up in........

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

OP

i type with all my fingers, stupid

i use my index finger for the finger pad

Reply 4

ZigZag

11

Could be a repetitive strain injury. Laptops just aren't that ergonomic unfortunately.

Reply 5

Hana_1987

1

i get that too...really sharp pains. i think it's because i use my index finger and my middle finger too much when typing and using the touch pad...i think it's repetitive strain injury

Reply 6

CoolioVendetta

Anonymous

i type with all my fingers, stupid

i use my index finger for the finger pad

Wow touchy.

Chill your beans...

Reply 7

ladyportacabin

8

It's probably RSI, take regular breaks etc etc.

Reply 8

Robcampo

6

as above, also consider a wireless keyboard n mouse, iv just bought a set to enable me to move about a bit more freely wher i want to be whilst on my laptop, and more comfortable!! without being tied down with wires.. just a suggestion (ps. microsoft wireless multimedia keyboard + optical mouse - amazon £19.99 + free p+p)

Reply 9

Sithius

16

RSI (Repetetive strain injury) mate. Make sure your arm is positioned straight and give it something to rest on. (A chair perhaps).

Cheers,

Sith~

Reply 10

thefish_uk

14

Laptops suck for that... I can't use the trackpad on mine for more than about 5 minutes before getting pissed off at it. Get a full sized mouse.

Though my fingers sometimes ache when using the proper mouse on my proper PC now. Ah well :frown:

Reply 11

love2learn

4

I've been shown to have my elbows on the table and then the laptop where my hands are. It means that your arms are better supported. Have you thought about getting some kind of gel wrist rest? I have one for my keyboard, but maybe you can get them for laptops too. I had the same problem as you, to the extent that I couldn't properly move my hand but I'm fine with a gel rest across my keyboard.

Reply 12

Montrose

17

Do you have a laptop actually on your lap or a table? Apparently if you're a bloke it doesn't do your sexual health any good, as it significantly warms that 'area' up above what it should be.

Reply 13

CoolioVendetta

Alex Mann

Do you have a laptop actually on your lap or a table? Apparently if you're a bloke it doesn't do your sexual health any good, as it significantly warms that 'area' up above what it should be.

True, warms your *******s and lowers your sperm count.

Reply 14

Anonymous #2

ZigZag

Could be a repetitive strain injury. Laptops just aren't that ergonomic unfortunately.

true - more than likely to be RSI. laptops aint built for long usage as they are meant to be more portable than anything else. It would be worth investing in a separate keyboard and mouse - you could also then stand your laptop up on a pile of books so that the screen is at your head height - i can imagine that bending your head to look at a laptop screen can't be helping either and is likely to cause you problems later in life if you aint careful

Reply 15

supertramp

9

Yep. RSI. I've given myself it, too, due to too much free time after leaving school.

Today was supposed to be my totally computer free day, but as you can see I have failed. Made it til after midnight though, and am only using my left hand...

why anonymous....

RSI no doubt about it, it might be a good idea to nip to the doctors and ask if theres anything he can give you. if not then just take a few paracetamol when the pain comes on

Reply 18

yossarianlives

7

I used to get pain through the middle of my hand from using the mouse and touch pad, really you should be sat at a table using the laptop...

Reply 19

Haineko

where do u usually use ur lap top? maybe think about your posture, does the leaning contribute to it?

Laptops= decreased sperm count for guys if used on laps=P

laptop = arm ache?

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