RSI is a loose group of conditions which affect the dominant wrist, hand or arm in the first instance. RSI symptoms include fatigue, numbness and general aching of the affected body part. Initially, these symptoms occur after prolonged activity and disappear when the activity stops. If the damage progresses, then the affected area becomes more sensitive and the pain persists even after rest. It can reach a point where even unrelated activities may cause pain.

Symptoms of RSI include:

• Tightness, discomfort, stiffness, soreness or burning in the hands, wrists, fingers, forearms, or elbows
• Tingling, coldness, or numbness in the hands
• Clumsiness or loss of strength and co-ordination in the hands
• Pain that interrupts or prevents sleep
• Feeling the need to massage hands, wrists, and arms

Some of these aches and pains are considered to be very normal and usually disappear within a few hours after the end of the activity. However, regular occurrence of these symptoms in combination with high levels of computer use needs to be taken very seriously. A doctor can help you deal with these symptoms especially at the critical early stage. You should keep in mind that by the time these symptom appear, some damage will probably already have been done.

RSI is a mechanism of injury rather than a diagnosis, and treatment will depend on the individual. Certain things can be used to alleviate RSI symptoms such as wrist splints, arm rests, split keyboards and spinal adjusters. However, experts have discovered that once an RSI has occurred there is a little chance to fully recover and it may take months or even years to heal. Even in the case healing occurs, a weak spot pre-disposed to secondary injury will make you vulnerable to re-injury and flare-ups.

What is most important is that whilst RSI is very difficult to cure it is relatively easy to prevent. The first step is an ergonomic workstation in combination with a good chair and a well set-up working area. Also, regular breaks from typing, posture changes as well as slight adaptation of typing style are considered to be simple precautions.