I agree. I was headed for CMC joint surgery, but managed to avoid it through physical therapy and wearing a brace when using the computer mouse. I also changed to an ergonomic vertical mouse. The exercises suggested by the hand therapist didn't help. However, another physical therapist suggested weekly hand exercises with 3 pound weights. That worked by building muscle and relieving stress on the CMC joint. I wear the CMC joint brace when doing these exercises.