My elbow hurts because of over mouse useage at work or wrong mouse useage at work, what should I do?

Is it lack of a proper mousepad that is it? Is it reaching across the desk to use the mouse/keyboard?

If it's your actual elbow that's sore (like the pointy bony bit), it might be that you are either clipping it on the edge of your desk or putting too much pressure on it with the edge of the desk. Try rearranging things so your entire forearm is supported on the desk well away from the edge - sometimes I end up mousing in front of the keyboard to do this. Use a cold pack on it to reduce the pain. Take some aspirin to knock down any inflammation if it seems swollen. Maybe take a handtowel to work - fold it in quarters under your elbow to cushion it from the desk edge.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/technology/how-to-avoid-mouse-arm/2007/09/11/1189276708235.html

take advil, go to physical therapy if you must. but you should probably just try being less of a pussy first and see if that helps.

http://i22.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/b5/74/6a26_1.JPG

The Logitech Trackman Marble FX is, hands-down, the most ergonomic pointing device ever made. Yr hand sits naturally on it, no twisting or unnatural movements. Hell, no movements at all in the wrist or elbow while mousing. I use this at work, and I love it. A good friend of mine said that his mouse-RSI went away in a week of his starting with this mouse. It takes about a week to get used to, but when you do, it's entirely natural. You can even use it with a Mac if you buy the right PS2->USB converter (about $20). The only drawback -- well, the only major drawback (there's no scrollwheel) -- is that NOBODY makes a mouse in this form-factor anymore. You have to get it used, and they tend to go for around $100. However, it's definitely worth $100, probably more, if you don't like being in pain.

NB: If you are averse to trackballs, don't write this one off. I probably have one of every style of trackball ever made, and this one is far and away the best.

Jeez, I've had olecranon bursitis for three weeks now, but I haven't yet posted about it here for the sheer ick factor. Suffice to say that my elbow is still distended, and my desk posture is still painful.

stop posting

Which part of your elbow hurts? If it's the funny bone area, you could have a mild case of cubital tunnel syndrome which is like carpal tunnel for your elbow. It can be caused by many factors - how you sleep at night (if you keep your arms bent at a severe angle), your ergonomics, the shape of your arm, the amount of time you spend working at the computer. If you have serious concerns you should go see a doctor to determine whether or not that is what you have (it's the most common repetitive strain injury after carpal tunnel syndrome). A doctor will probably prescribe an elbow brace to be worn during sleep and work (this thing is a LIFESAVER) and a high dosage of anti-inflammatories like naproxen or ibuprofen, or if you can afford it, the anti-arthritis drug Celebrex. A few months of brace wearing and a short course of anti-inflammatories combined with a modification of any bad computer habits should take care of your pain, although you'll want to stick to good ergonomics from now on because these things can come back. Here are some other tips:

Take the arms off of your desk chair if you can. They promote bad arm placement and posture. Try not to rest your elbow area on the edge of the desk, that cuts off blood flow and puts pressure on the nerve.

A non-mouse-based pointing device can also greatly aid the healing and prevention process. The above-mentioned trackball is ok, but is probably too expensive. I can recommend this one - it's cordless so you can hold it in your lap in a more natural position, it has a scroll wheel, and your thumb is more dextrous than your other fingers. I actually developed joint pains from using it too much, so I moved on to a Wacom graphics tablet which has been incredible, probably the most pain-free method of pointing I've known. If that's out of your budget you can get a trackpad which is almost as good (but not as fun).

While you're healing, try cutting back on physical activites that require a lot of arm movement. Yard work, driving, pretty much any musical instrument, weight lifting. Lots of movement over the course of about an hour will lead to soreness.

Stretches. They're a pain, but remembering to do them every once in a while will get you away from the computer, which you also should do (5 minutes away every hour, although it can be annoying or easy to forget).

You need to build up the forearm muscles that support the elbow, too. I had tendonitis in both elbows and found this exercise helpful:
Tie a string around a full soup can (I used Progresso because I'm tough). The string should be long enough to hold the end straight in front of you when the can's on the floor. Leave some extra for tying around a stick or dowel. Wind the can up to the stick with both hands, release, repeat. It will kill you at first. Then you will gain superhuman powers.

I never did any stretches.

Wow I am amazed at all the wonderful suggestions here. You folks have surpassed my wildest optimistic expexctations. "Take the arms off your desk chair" is actually freaking on the money and I wouldn't have thought of it. I also admit to resting my elbow on the desk! Whoops!

The ergonomics people are coming to inspect my workstation in a week's time. In the meantime I've made a doc appt I don't really want to keep. It hurts more at home but at least I've figured out how to make a proper sling by myself now with a sheet. Also using a mouse with left hand is weird - all of a sudden left click is right click and vice versa. It's a learning process.

I gave up playing bass for the time being.

To answer the question upthread, the part that hurts is the part that faces the sky just about one or two millimeters from the inside of my elbow bone if I bring my hand to my shoulder. I think it's supposed to be "tennis elbow".

But thanks for all the suggestions, I will analyze them in greater detail when I am no longer drunk.

Quite sincerely, Cheers.

Your off hand will not be so deft as your dominant hand, but you should be able to perform adequate mousing with it after a very short time. Brains adapt.

I switch my mouse from right to left for a few weeks at a time to divide the strain between left and right. It takes an hour or so to remember again that I'm mousing with my left (or right) and then it's no biggie.

I used to have excruciating tennis elbow from mouse use. It was worst at night; would keep me up all night sometimes. Also sleeping with my arm at my side instead of up over my head has helped.

Believe it or not, push-ups can also help. Also there is a yoga stretch that is good that is not on that stretches page, where you put your hands behind your back in a praying position.

just try being less of a pussy first

wtf try being less of a bitch

No no no no no, the proper response is "I'll be less of a pussy when you're less of a dick. Which is never. And I believe we're all the better for it!"

That's really weak Bimble. Tony Wilson would be ashamed of you...