I'm a graphic designer, recently graduated from college and just started my first job. Toward the end of college I occasionally got pain in my right wrist from computer-mouse use; ergonomics seemed to help, however my wrist got weaker over the summer. When I started my first full-time job in Sept, the pain became unbearable. My wrist is weak, I cannot do my hair, stir food on the stove, or put any pressure on that hand (no yoga, no push-ups). I now experience pain along the side of my hand and my arm. I am suspecting tendonitis due to my symptoms: it's just pain, no tingling or numbness and nothing in the fingers. I only use the mouse with this hand.
I won't have health insurance until November, but am worried about leaving the problem untreated/undiagnosed any longer. I am on the computer for work 9 hours a day, so rest is not an option. I have been using my left hand for two weeks, yet my right wrist is not any better. Since I don't have health insurance yet, I'd like to keep my costs low and go straight to the correct doctor, rather than seeing a general practitioner and getting a referral. What kind of doctor should I try to see, and what can I do for my wrist in the meantime?
My self-treatment thus far has not helped but has included: ergonomic adjustments (sitting position, better chair, correct posture), cold-packs, Aleve, gentle stretches, use of my left hand whenever possible, gentle massage of the area with ice.
Any help is greatly appreciated.