I learned to use mouse with my other hand. I was literally forced to one day, out of pain.
Took me 2 days to feel normal with it.
Nowadays, I juggle back and forth, depending on comfort.
Took me 2 days to feel normal with it.
Nowadays, I juggle back and forth, depending on comfort.
It was 5 years ago and my right hand was too painful to use so I switched to my left hand. Eventually, last year my left hand started to hurt too, and I started jungling between both. 5 months later, I had to stop completely for 2 months because of the pain.
My timeline was this. I've been programming since 15. I've been on the computer for hours a day, making money freelancing in highschool. I didn't have a single issue. Then, at 22, I got a professional gig. My pain started immediately. Within months, the damage was done.
My right hand still isn't 100%, but since I've switched to using my last remaining good hand, I treat it much better than I did my right hand. It's all I got.
Carpal tunnel can absolutely be prevented. It isn't genetic or anything. You just have to monitor the warning signs and address them immediately.
So, yes, switching hands isn't a solution, but the damage is done, so it has to be done. But now I have the insight needed to prevent my left arm from ever falling into the same situation.
I kept two mice on each side of the computer for years and alternated between them as required.