Nerve Entrapment

tzeentch

Good day everyone,

Two months ago, after I worked a few days straight (only break was food, sleep and some exercise) my right hand started trembling. And not just trembling, pinky and the outer part of my hand went completely numb. At first, I thought "that's normal, I've been working hard". Then, a few days later - trembling was still there, my hand was really cold and numbness had spread to  my ring finger. I went to the  doctor, diagnosis was 'nerve paralysis', or the nerve near the elbow was under pressure - therefore, no blood reaching the hand. He said people that work at a desk often get this, but he didn't really give me any advice on how to work with it, besides 'take breaks often and put your hand on a soft surface'. 

Now, I've been studying game arts for 2 years and I really hope I'll work this later in my life. If I have to work in a company 9to5 everyday, these news are slightly scary.
I was wondering if anyone else ever got it and what's your advice on the topic.
Thanks in advance

MagicSugar

I don't have medical training (exept high school CPR) but....maybe you've got Ulnar Nerve Entrapment?

Try not to rest your elbows on desk as you work for long hours.

I started a thread a couple a weeks ago: http://polycount.com/discussion/174731/what-is-ulnar-nerve-entrapment

tzeentch

@MagicSugar
thank you so much

aesir

You need to stop using your hand for work.  Switch to your other hand.  Take a vacation.  See a doctor.  Do something, because you can permanently injure yourself.  You do not want to have a crippled hand just so you shipped some game on time.

Marshkin

Very frustrating advice from the doctor. I would go get a second opinion. Ask if the doctor can recommend a specialist that can help you. For my back my doctor couldn't do much but they did direct me to a physiotherapist who assisted me with getting a chair that worked with my back as well as giving me exercises I should do. 

Zack Maxwell

I got Carpal Tunnel Syndrome before.
Like Aesir said, the first thing to do is stop using that hand until it feels better. Just switch your mouse to the other side, and only use that hand. Don't underestimate other activities, either. Don't lift anything heavy with that hand, or do anything strenuous like large amounts of writing.

MagicSugar is also right about the elbows, but you should also make sure you're sitting in the proper position. Arms down, elbows bent 90°, straight back. One thing that can really get you is having your desk too high, causing you to bend your wrists down and your elbows up. Very bad posture.

And similarly to the elbows on desk issue, if your chair has hard arm rests, don't use them.

A stylus is also better for you than a mouse if the tablet is not placed awkwardly, so I'd recommend using it as often as possible. Maya makes that easy.

Finally, roughly every hour or so you should stand up and briefly stretch your hands, arms and legs. And I mean your actual hands. Bending back your hand then each of your fingers is a simple one for that.

I was personally having a pretty big problem slouching, which screws over your whole posture. So I got a big easy release belt, and started fastening my chest to the back of the chair when I was working. >_>

aesir

That's an amazingly hilarious solution grimwolf!!!  I love it.

My grandma always used to tell me she worked on her posture by putting a wooden spoon down the front of her shirt, held in place by her bra.

pior

One very obvious thing to point out : before even reaching paralysis, was there anything uncomfortable about your setup ? Like, where you holding your stylus with tight claw grip for instance ?

What I am trying to get at here is that a lot of cg artists build up some very, VERY bad habits just because "everybody else is doing it". But then things eventually backfire, and serious pain can happen (Been there, done that.). For instance think about your tablet. Are you (even unconsciously) doing weird wrist movements because you are not "rotating the paper" ? If so, then start using Canvas rotate in PS. And so on.

So - if there is anything ever slightly off about your setup, take the necessary time to address it. That could mean spending the time to build your own desk, trying out very simple, natural ways of sitting as opposed to rely on Office Depot junk with dozen of pointless levers, and so on. That could even mean a slight career shift if something is really bothering you with the workflow/tools you are required to use. Good luck.

And of course, wishing you a good recovery.

DavidCruz

As others have said this is where egonomics(I purchased one of those chairs and i can't even sit on anything else, it's soooo f-ing gooood.) is most helpful i'd look into it with anyone having possible issues as well.
Also work with your thumbs pointing upwards to the ceiling prevents arm (specifically forearm pains) doesn't cross bones.

Ruz

I have had this since about 2008, sounds like tennis elbow. mine has actually improved a lot, not as numb these days
please do not rest your elbow on the desk

JacqueChoi

Standing desk.

Amsterdam Hilton Hotel

JacqueChoi said:

Standing desk.

This has helped me a lot with spine posture. I try to keep it good when sitting but tend to slump when in a flow state. Standing desk helps bypass that

Steppenwolf

When i do lots of work with my wacom i have to use a wrist brace even tho i made it a habbit to move my whole arm instead of just of the wrist. I believe there are braces for ellbows aswell. I would invest in one if i was you.

tzeentch

Thank you all loads for the advice, I'm definitely getting an elbow and wrist braces. Also, I've been trying to work with my left hand and I realised I never did it before. If nothing else, it cracks me up. But in a few months I should have better results with it.

pior said:

One very obvious thing to point out : before even reaching paralysis, was there anything uncomfortable about your setup ? Like, where you holding your stylus with tight claw grip for instance ?

My desk is not really the best out there, since I've rented a temporary living place(until I finish my studies) and I can't really change it, but I'll modify as much as possible. I might have to also change my mouse since it's quite big. 

Has anyone tried these Tourmaline Braces? I got only good reviews so far.

Synaesthesia

I dislocated my right elbow in early 2013 after hitting a curbside drain on my bike commute to work. As a result, I generally have to keep my arm supported by a small pillow to prevent numbness from forming. You might want to try this out and see if it helps - at the least it'll help reduce the pressure you're feeling!