RSI (Repetitive Strain Injuries)

[susan silva]

Do you or have you had any signs of RSI?   If so, what did you do about it and how did you handle it?   Are you feeling better now?  If you have had issues, what advice can you give others on preventing RSI?

[gee4]

No, never.

[officepa]

Yes, back in 2006 I had signs of RSI. At the time I had yearly check ups with company doctor who suggested wearing wrist supports, supports when typing and excercises to carry out.

It was never bad enough to actually stop me being able to type but did irritate me. Over time it did lessen and now I can't say I notice it but at times I do get a tingling feeling but just carry on.

[JessW]

Diagnosed in 2000, still got it  (but cannot afford operation from a time, care and cost perspective).
I take ever increasing doses of pain killers and anti-inflams plus where strappings on both hands (thanks doc!)

Suggestions for how not to get it?  No idea!

[Jackie G]

(tongue lodged in cheek)  Maybe we should go back to manual typewriters - nobody had much RSI then.

It's horrible, tingly, I get it sometimes and it slows me down.

I'm scared if it gets worse that one day I won't even be able to lift anything up - I've heard tell of folk who can no longer lift a kettle, hold a cup of tea, etc.

[Atlanta Z3]

I can tell when I've been mousing too much, my index finger gets the tingling.  I will wake up at night sometimes.  I now have a gel wrist rest and switched out from the heavier wireless mouse (battery weight).  I also needlepoint and can tell when I need to back off on that hobby for a while.  For me it was just simple changes that have made the difference.  When it was really bad I would go home and soak my hand in a dish of ice cubes for twenty minutes or so each night, thankful I don't have to do that any more!

[msmarieh]

I worry about it as I am on the computer almost nonstop. I try to make sure I do regular stretches and take breaks. So far, I haven't had any issues.

[Katie G]

Maybe we should go back to manual typewriters - nobody had much RSI then

You're right though.  At home I use an almost 20 year old IBM keyboard that has more of a typewriter-like click to it and I find it MUCH more comfortable than this so-called "quiet" keyboard here are work, which is like hitting a board over and over again.   

[jennika]

I haven't been "diagnosed" but I am pretty sure I have RSI in my right (mousing) wrist to arm.  I can tell when it starts to act up and use my wrist brace when it does.  BUT it aches, it hurts (not all the time but often enough I complain), I sleep on that arm and it hurts, I carry grocery bags and feel  uncomfortable / pain.    I went to the doctors and they told me I had "tennis elbow" and now have a band to wear around the upper part of my forearm.  It doesn't look like much but it really helps.  Actually today is an achy day and think it is actually a good time to wear the elbow thingie.    I know how I got this way, not taking care of correct keyboard position.  My keyboard and mouse are to high from my chair. 

[misslynn]

Yes, I have bilaterial tendinitis though the left is worse than the right. Also have golfer's elbow in the left arm (I don't even play golf!). My chiropractor also recommended, as previously mentioned, wearing the band on my elbow to help with that.

From experience - best advice I can give is be aware of your posture while working at your desk (sit up straight) and take breaks often. Also, be aware that you aren't bending your wrists while sleeping, sometimes wearing a brace will help keep your wrists straight.

[Shipping]

Hi Susan,
If you want to let me have your e-mail address, I could send you a couple of documents that may be of some use. I look after health and safety in my office and all staff are required to undertake workstation safety modules and tests, currently on a yearly basis. These are used to minimise RSI's and discomfort by making sure you and your computer, keyboard, etc. are positioned correctly.
You should be able to report any issues you are having to your line manager or health and safety coordinator if you have one. You will need to make someone aware just in case you ever have to go on sick leave because of it. There could be monetary implications if you end up on long-term sick and haven't brought your workplace issues to light. You just never know.
Check to see if your company has policies on this kind of thing as well.
Good luck