Is Using Two Fingers on a Mouse as Helpful as a Buddy Strap?
I have a sprained finger and my doctor recommended using a buddy strap. He mentioned that besides that, anti-inflammatory medication was the only other treatment necessary. I plan to wear the strap while I sleep, but considering I keep my fingers resting on the mouse for the majority of my waking hours, doesn't that mean they’re essentially immobilized? I don’t experience any discomfort unless I press a key directly or if I bend the finger backward. However, I can still make a fist without any issue, just not when I curl my finger in this specific way.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 12:50:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are managing a sprained finger and are considering the use of your mouse while wearing a buddy strap. It's great that you're seeking to understand how to best care for your injury! Here’s a breakdown related to your concerns.
Main Points
Using two fingers on the mouse while wearing a buddy strap may limit movement, but it isn't as effective as the buddy strap itself for proper immobilization and support of your injured finger. Maintaining some activity is essential, but care should be taken to avoid aggravating the injury.
Explanation
A buddy strap provides support by stabilizing the injured finger with a neighboring finger, which helps it heal by limiting movement. While using two fingers on a mouse might seem like a way to ease strain, it can still allow for some motion that may not be beneficial during recovery. If you aren’t experiencing pain when your finger is resting, it's a good sign, but it’s crucial to avoid movements that cause discomfort, like bending the finger backward.
Next Steps
-
Use the Buddy Strap Consistently: Continue to wear the buddy strap as your doctor recommended, especially while sleeping and during times of activity, including computer work.
-
Optimize Your Workstation: Adjust your mouse and keyboard setup to minimize strain on your finger. Try to use your wrist instead of your fingers wherever possible, and consider using shortcuts to reduce the reliance on your injured finger.
-
Take Breaks: Implement regular breaks during your computer use. This will reduce prolonged pressure on your fingers and allow your hand to rest and recover.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any pain or discomfort. If your symptoms worsen or if you have concerns about your recovery, reassess how you're using your fingers.
-
Continue Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Follow your doctor's advice regarding anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce swelling and pain.
By following these steps, you can support your recovery while still managing your daily activities. If you have any further concerns, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Could My Recent Exercise Be Causing High Liver Enzyme Levels?
I’m a 28-year-old male, weighing 120 pounds and standing 5 feet 7 inches tall. Currently, I have not been diagnosed with any health conditions; however, I've experienced ongoing symptoms such as dizziness and lightheadedness, alongside occasional headaches. There’s also a minor issue with colon inflammation. As for my medications, I take lorazepam at a dosage of 0.5 mg once or twice weekly for the past two months to manage my dizziness when it becomes overwhelming. Additionally, I have been taking 500 mg of Tylenol every eight hours for five days to help with discomfort. In the last two months, I have undergone blood tests on three occasions. The first two tests indicated mostly normal results. However, just ten days after receiving my last normal test results, I discovered that my liver enzymes are elevated. Fortunately, imaging of my abdomen using a CT scan with contrast showed a liver that appears otherwise healthy. The readings showed AST at 149 and ALT at 69. I typically consume alcohol only a few times a year and I don't believe that my Tylenol intake has been excessive. Notably, I began a new workout routine at the gym three days before my latest blood test, which consisted of light cardio and moderate weight training, as I’ve been relatively inactive lately. By the time of my blood test, it had been about 72 hours since my last workout, and any muscle soreness had subsided. This is the only possible explanation that comes to mind for the elevated levels. Otherwise, I might need to start being concerned about my liver health.
Concern After Ingesting a Zyn
I’m a 20-year-old male weighing 207 pounds, and I smoke sporadically. Last night, I fell asleep while having a zyn in my mouth, and when I woke up, it was missing. I’m worried that I may have accidentally swallowed it. There’s a sensation of something being lodged in my throat, but I can drink water without any issues. I haven't tried eating yet. I’m feeling a bit anxious because my throat feels irritatingly odd on one side, and my ear is experiencing some pain. It’s not anything too alarming at this point; my chest feels normal, but I do feel a warm sensation in my stomach. People around me assure me that everything is likely fine, but I can’t help but worry a little.
Can You Really Rub Something Behind Your Eye?
M22. Hello, I experienced some discomfort recently when what I believe was an eyelash got lodged in my eye. In an attempt to alleviate the irritation, I rubbed my eye, but it felt as though I might have inadvertently pushed it deeper into my eye socket. Is it feasible that I have now trapped this object behind my eye permanently?
Am I Facing a Serious Health Issue?
I admit the title sounds rather intense, but the past few days have truly made me feel as though my health is deteriorating. I have been experiencing persistent vertigo, something I’ve never dealt with before. Alongside that, I’ve also been feeling unusually weak and nauseated, which has sparked some serious concerns about my well-being. The only potential cause I can think of is my increased alcohol consumption over the last week. Prior to this, I had been feeling absolutely fine and thriving in my daily life until these troubling symptoms emerged. I am currently on two medications: Escitalopram and Bupropion. I’m seeking any advice or reassurance because this situation is driving me to distraction. Unfortunately, my family doctor isn’t available until next week, and I'm hesitant to visit the emergency room.
Interpreting Elevated Bilirubin Levels: What Do My Results Mean?
I received my routine lab test results today, and I've noticed that my bilirubin levels appear to be elevated. Specifically, my total bilirubin is recorded at 24 umol/l, with direct bilirubin at 10.5 umol/l. I plan to consult a physician regarding these findings at the earliest opportunity, but with the weekend approaching, it seems likely that my appointment will take place next week. Naturally, I'm starting to feel a bit anxious about these numbers. Additionally, my iron levels are marginally elevated at 28 umol/l, and the transferrin saturation reads 46%. Should I be particularly concerned about these results? For context, I do not consume alcohol, and I am 30 years old.