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Need keyboard recommendation for issues with De Quervain's - Sandilyn

Posted: Mar 26, 2010

I have been a MT for close to 15 years & have used a Kinesis keyboard for the majority of that time. I am currently using the Advantage. I actually have a couple of these with the same keyboard layout. I have suddenly developed De Quervain's of my left thumb. (Apparently, I backspace more than I thought I did!) I was placed in a brace but cannot use it while typing. I am using some compression gloves when I work and just do not use my thumb. I have remapped a key in place of the regular backspace key but I hate it. I am very concerned that the same thing will eventually occur with my right thumb using the space bar. I think if these two keys were just a tad closer on the keyboard I wouldn't have this issue but I don't know. I have short fingers & smallish hands.

Is there a keyboard that might better suit me & my needs??? I am really at a loss as to what to even look for at this point. I do know I do not want a keyboard that has a far reach for the backspace key with placement as on a "regular" keyboard as that will cause me to twist my right wrist & I may develop issues due to that. Please help ASAP! :)

Thanks so very much.

I wish I could help. - Tired

[ In Reply To ..]
I developed De Quervain's in my left wrist about 4 years ago. After splinting and anti-inflammatories, I still had no relief.

My doc's last resort before surgery was to put me in a cast to my elbow for 4 weeks that also casted my thumb out straight so I had no use of it. I still typed (had the use of 4 fingers on my left hand, just not my thumb). You really take your thumbs for granted until you lose the use of them.

Very difficult since I am left handed. I had to learn to eat, etc., with my right hand. I couldn't even tie my shoes or button my jeans.

After that didn't work, I ended up having surgery. Now I am pain free, but I still hit the spacebar with my right thumb always after gaining that habit when I was casted. The physical therapy after the surgery was terribly painful and it took a couple of months before I had decent use of that wrist/thumb. However, I had had 2 previous surgeries on that wrist for ganglion cysts, and the doctor removed quite a bit of scar tissue during the De Quervain's operation, so that may have contributed for the longer recovery.

I use a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. I know it's not like you describe, but it seems to work well for me. I have small fingers/hands as well.

I still have pain from time to time, even after the surgery, so I have to take breaks and stretch so as to not have it happen again. I do also get worried about my right wrist now because I use that thumb to do all spacing.

Best of luck!

I appreciate your input so much. - Sandilyn

[ In Reply To ..]
Tired, thank you so much for your kind reply. I sincerely appreciate it. I may look into the MS 4000 keyboard! It really says a lot about it, I feel, since you are an MT, have had the same thing as I & are doing well with it! :)

Believe me, I know the toll this profession can take on us. I had to have a plate, screws & rods placed at L5-S1 just four months ago. I have had a lot of various surgeries & this is the worst thing I have ever experienced! :( I developed foot drop prior to surgery (still have it), now wear an AFO knee to toes, wear a back brace & now the hand brace. I just tell my husband they should wrap me in Velcro from head to toe. LOL

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