Repetitive Strain Injury - how do i get rid of it?

Factual Questions
1

ok, i think i’ve got RSI in my wrists from spendin way too much time typin badly, they’ve started clicking alot and they hurt (like cramp) for long periods of time. so: is there a way of getting rid of this, without spending less time on the computer/buying anything?

thanks:confused:

2

I have no direct experience with this, but here’s a product review I remembered:
http://arstechnica.com/reviews/02q3/smartglove/smartglove-1.html

3

I use a computer for at least nine hours a day, sometimes more. I’ve had problems with RSI in the past, but now have it under control. Here’s my advice:

  1. Take it very seriously. Search the web for accounts of people who ignored their RSI and wound up unable to dress or feed themselves. It is very very easy to badly injure yourself. If you start experiencing tingling or numbness, go to the doctor immediately.

  2. Minimize your computer use as much as possible. If you play computer games, stop completely for at least a few weeks.

  3. Get up and stretch or walk around every hour, just for a minute or two. It makes a huge difference to get yourself out of the same position. There are reminder programs you can put on your computer that will lock up the display for a minute or two to force you to do this.

  4. Even more often, let your arms hang at your sides and shake them out, just to loosen them up and get blood flowing.

  5. Set up your workstation correctly. You need to be sitting up straight, looking straight ahead at your monitor (most people’s monitors are too low – raise it with reams of paper or books). Your arms and upper legs should be parallel to the floor. Your elbows should be at your sides – if your chair has arms on it, remove them. The arms pull your elbows away from your body, which is bad. Make sure your wrists are as neutral as possible, meaning that there should be a straight line from your elbow to the tip of your middle finger. If you find yourself slumping or slouching, get up and walk around for a minute.

  6. Using the mouse is usually much harder on the wrists than the keyboard. Make sure your mouse is as close to your body as possible, and you’re not reaching far away to use it.

  7. Take it very seriously. If spending less time on the computer seems like too much of a burden, think about how hard your life will be when you can’t use a computer at all.

Good luck.

4

I’ve had tendonitis.

You will have to stop-- cold turkey-- for at least several days. When you resume work (or typing all day), make sure everything is in a position that puts no strain on the affected joints and limbs. Prop up your arms or keyboard, move your screen, etc…

Then you’ll have to stretch before you sit down to work, and take periodic rest breaks. During your down time, you may also want to work on some strength and stretching exercises.

This is really the only way to prevent this condition.

5

Sorry about the RSI. It is not fun. You may need to completely stop using a keyboard. My understanding is that RSIs tend to become worse if ignored, and may lead to permanent disabilities.
Go see a physician as soon as possible! (and I’m not a Dr.)

In the future, you might want to consider a way to somehow change the position that you are using while typing…in fact, changing position while doing repetitive tasks is a good general recommendation for all of us.

Good Luck!