Pain in fingers from new MBP keyboard?

Thanks Grant, I will do some research on the Carpal Tunnel info but it really seems like its the trackpad. I may be wrong and appreciate your input. Obviously, I am not the only person who is having a similar problem and my purpose in responding was to let the original poster know that others are experiencing the same problem. I think it is important to remain open to different possibilities.

IdrisSeaBright,

Thanks for your response and advice. The measurement was 4000+ uT.

There was no proven evidence years ago that cigarettes were bad for you either. So I don't always go by proven scientific studies. I go with my experience.

Personally, I keep these devices a foot or so from my body when possible and use a wired headset when I am on a call on my iPhone if its any more than a couple of minutes. I also find long-term use of my new MacBook really hurts my eyes, which I didn't experience on my previous Apple laptop. It is a real shame as I really love the new machine.

I think if there is a problem with these devices, Apple needs to have feedback.

I don't expect or want you to have the same view. The purpose of my post was to share my experience which backs up that of the original poster.

Marcall wrote:

There was no proven evidence years ago that cigarettes were bad for you either. So I don't always go by proven scientific studies. I go with my experience.

Studies showing the dangers of cigarette smoking go back to about 1600.

Self-diagnoses based on preconceived notions could cause you not to get the medical help you really need. But, they're your hands.

Best of luck.

Totally agree with your response.

its the travel, its too short and too hard on landing.

I switched to aftermarket keyboards and the problem went away. I cameback to apple keyboard and the problem is back. I don't need to see a dr. I know the problem is not me health.

The surface of the trackpad on these MacBook Pros (and all MacBooks for several years now) is made entirely of GLASS, a well known insulator.

Theories about transfer of electricity through such an Insulator are contrary to modern Physics.

My only dispute is with the claims that 'electricity transmitted through a know excellent insulator' are the cause.

I do not dispute that Users are having physiological effects from using these trackpads. It could be that for some users, the mashing of their fingers against the solid glass surface could be to blame. When the cause or the mechanism is unknown, the advice to 'consult your physician' is still good advice.

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My wife though she might be getting arthritis in one of her fingers, since one of the joints continued to be painful. She went to see a hand specialist, who sent her for an X-ray. The doctor who interprets the X-rays came out to the waiting area.

"Who are you seeing for this issue?", he asked. It was clear he was NOT going to give use the films or his diagnosis if the answer was an Internal Medicine Doc.

"A Hand and Plastic surgeon", we answered.

"OK, fine, here are your pictures."

When we got back to the hand surgeon, he looked at the films and explained. "The problem showing here is so rare, only a Hand or Plastic surgeon could properly interpret this X-ray. A General Medicine Doc would miss the subtlety, and it would continue to get worse -- so bad your finger would have to be amputated. We can save this finger if we act soon."

Readers, please -- if you are having hand pain -- stop using the computer in ways that cause you pain and see your Doctor to rule out unusual issues you may not have considered. DO NOT wait for Apple to come forward with a solution -- you may have lost the use of your hands by then.

That is serious indeed Grant.

The short-term solution may be to stop using the trackpad. The bigger solution is to ensure that Apple sort out this problem before many people have injuries.

I have logged a support issue with Apple.

I think you are putting the blame in the wrong place. It is not Apple's responsibility to adapt to your personal issue. If you were to suffer from ankle discomfort because of the force necessary or the position of your car accelerator would you expect Ford or GM to redesign their cars because you have discomfort while millions of other drivers do not suffer discomfort? If a product causes you discomfort, stop using the product and get a product designed more to your needs.

The link you provided refers to a similar thread started in 2012 so don't hold your breath while waiting for "Apple sort out this problem before many people have injuries.".

Bob,

Clearly, it is not a personal issue as many people have it. Placing two fingers on my trackpad for twenty seconds causes me discomfort. I can put my fingers on any other surface for long periods of time without an issue. If I got into a new car, put my hands on the steering wheel and got an unpleasant experience from it within a minute, that is an issue with the new car.

Just because some people do not experience it, does not mean it doesn't exist. Perhaps it is only in some batches. Perhaps with some electricity supplies.

According to the law, this should not happen. It is important that people report it and it is investigated.

This post was originally about the keyboard, which is a different matter and may not be designed to be comfortable with prolonged use.

I will hop off this board and on to a board about the trackpad rather than this one out of respect for people who are on here for information about the Keyboard as per the original post. No point in wasting people's time.

A summary of what you just posted should be posted Here:

Product Feedback - Apple

Apple make no promise to read the forums, and never responds here.

Be cautious with your keyboard cover, which by the way I don't think is the solution for your issue: Do not use palm rest or keycap covers on a MacBook Pro with Retina display - Apple Support

I'm assuming you're probably already familiar with the general advice on ergonomics given here?

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205655

I'll post the link anyway since I think it's a good summary.

Personally, I'm not having any issues with the new keyboard. It did take me a few days to get used to it, but now I can type really fast and with fewer mistakes than on other keyboards.

Make sure to read pages 75-76 of your MacBook Pro manual. (Manuals available online at Apple - Support - Manuals)

createausernameplease wrote:

The pain goes so far that I don't want to work anymore (since I cannot work without typing). I also have pain when I use my iPhone, for example. After a bit of research I believe I could have developed repetitive strain injury (but I'm no doctor).

You really should see a doctor. You use your keyboard more than probably most people. Repetitive stress injuries can happen to anyone. But, what specific things cause it in one person may not cause it in another. If you see a doctor, they may be able to give you a referral to an physical/occupational therapist who can help you learn ways to ameliorate the problem. A properly trained therapist who can see and evaluate your specific issues would be the best person to give you advice.

Meanwhile, as the other posters have suggested, look at the information on ergonomics provided in the manual. Take more breaks. See if you can integrate dictation into your workflow to give your hands a rest.

Best of luck.

Maybe a contributing factor is creeping old age. See a professional rather than guessing at the cause.