Cumulative Trauma Disorder Froze My Pinky

I started feeling a sharp pain around the little finger on my right hand. The pain quickly increased and my pinky (and that whole side of my hand) started to turn red and swell up - YUCK! In just a few hours, it became so bad that when I tried to make a fist, my pinky would remain extended.

"Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, right?"... nope. I did some research and found that CTS doesn't affect the pinky finger.

It was an ergonomic problem common with frequent mouse use... repetitive motion injury. I guess I pinched the ulnar groove (or the "funny bone") by not positioning my arms correctly as I worked at the computer.

I stayed off the computer for 2 days, wrapped my hand with an ice pack at night, and it got rid of most of the pain. I now use a wrist rest, take breaks every 25 minutes to take a break from the keyboard and mouse, stretch out my fingers, wrists, and arms.

Moral of the story? Take frequent breaks to stretch... and I will never take my pinky for granted again!!

Disclaimer: Don't take this as medical advice. I may be "Dr. Mom" at home, but I can't take responsibility for everyone else.