OT-for those that do transcription work

[jennilouwho]

Hi!

I recently got a job doing transcription work from home. I've been using a foot pedal for about 2 weeks now. This is my first experience with one. My feet have been sore and kind of tingly the last few days. Is that normal? I can see why my right foot would be, but not sure why my left would. Anyway, if anyone has had a similar experience I'd appreciate hearing about it.

Thanks!

Jen

 

[Sadie22]

Welcome to the professon! If you have not already joined the TranscriptionEssentials.com and ProductivityTalk.com forums, I recommend them both.

The tingling is absolutely not normal. How long have you been sitting in one place without changing position, though? You may be putting pressure on and compressing nerves causing the tingling, or this may be a symptom of something more serious than an overuse injury. This is serious. Don't guess or rely on information from any online source. See your doctor now.

I have been a transcriptionist for many years, but I have never had problems from using a foot pedal even though I am overweight, do not exercise enough, and have Type 2 diabetes.

I did suffer a pinched nerve in my right foot during a long car trip last summer during which I had my right foot awkwardly positioned to depress the accelerator for an extended period of time. I suddenly began to have sharp twinges of pain in that foot. When I got home I saw a podiatrist and that diagnosis was made. I had to use my left foot to work until the pain was gone. That experience is one reason we're taking the AutoTrain down to Disney this year.

I have previously had sciatic nerve pain which was also due to sitting awkwardly in the car, without changing position, during a long trip. After a doctor's diagnosis I had to take strong medications and avoid sitting or standing for about a week until that resolved.

Again, see your doctor right away.

 

[jennilouwho]

I have a doctor's appt on Wednesday, I was just curious until then... Thanks for your info. Interesting. Type 2 Diabetes runs in my family, so I am a bit suspicious of neuropathy, however this just came on suddenly a few days after I started the work, so I was hopeful it might have something to do with that. I am only sitting in one place about an hour at a time. I do 2-3 hours a day, but split it up.

 

[Sadie22]

I have a doctor's appt on Wednesday, I was just curious until then... Thanks for your info. Interesting. Type 2 Diabetes runs in my family, so I am a bit suspicious of neuropathy, however this just came on suddenly a few days after I started the work, so I was hopeful it might have something to do with that. I am only sitting in one place about an hour at a time. I do 2-3 hours a day, but split it up.

I'm glad you're getting yourself checked out.

Just in general you should examine your work station ergonomics. Your chair, desk and keyboard are important tools for your work. Remember that if you buy new ones you can count them as expenses when you file taxes on your self-employment income.

I have a really good fully adjustable chair and use a telescoping keyboard tray at my computer desk. I also am sure to get up and walk around frequently.

I had some numbness and tingling in my hands when I worked at a brick and mortar job. After resigning from that job and doing less typing for a while the problems resolved. They started to come back recently and I invested in a split keyboard (Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000) I had read about on Transcription Essentials. The problems are gone.

 

[Sadie22]

I hope the symptoms are resolving, that you found out the cause and that it's easily treatable.