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Can you get carpal tunnel syndrome in your finger from using a laptop TrackPoint too much?
I have been using a ThinkPad laptop as my only computer for about 5 years. I used it all through college and now I have a job in software, so i use my computer A LOT. I never use a mouse. I use the TrackPoint for everything. (You know, that little red nub in the middle of the keyboard?) I use it for work, surfing the web, even playing video games. I’ve gotten very comfortable with it, but lately I’ve started noticing pain in the tendon that comes back from my right pointer finger. (The one I operate the TrackPoint with.) Is it possible that I have given myself Carpal Tunnel in my hand from over use of the TrackPoint?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most often misdiagnosed orthopedic conditions there is. It typically does not manifest in a single finger. It usually follows the distribution of the median nerve, which serves part of the palm, and sensation to the thumb, index and, well, middle fingers. Not only is pain/numbness a criterion, but a weakness of grip. I have disputed a good number of CTS diagnoses simply on the basis of a lack of interference with motor (muscle) function alone. It’s part of the diagnostic criteria. If it ain’t there, neither is CTS.
The simple answer to your question is “no.” Pain in the back of the index finger is not anywhere near a typical manifestation of CTS.
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