Do you get RSI and what do you do to avoid it?

[joshwa]

Do you ever get RSI (repetitive strain injury / carpal tunnel syndrome / tennis elbow etc) from using a computer keyboard or mouse?

What do you do to avoid it?

Is it from using the keyboard or the mouse?

I have it at the moment, and have a trackball at work and home, and have been using my left hand to use a mouse as well. I've also got a wrist rest for the keyboard but it doesn't seem to help much.

You?

[Howard]

No I can't say I do really. Which is surprising how much I use this damn computer

[iMc]

Yeh I occasionally get it in my wrist via the mouse. I find that wearing a tight wristband helps. Especially when playing games for prolonged periods.

[joshwa]

Yeh I occasionally get it in my wrist via the mouse. I find that wearing a tight wristband helps. Especially when playing games for prolonged periods.

cool - i think i'll give it a try

[Kezzer]

I type all day everyday and have never had it. Dunno why 'cause i type in the most awkward positions

[yamangman]

Never had it, when you use a mouse/keyboard or are typing, make a consciuous effort NOT to point your hands outward at the wrists, keep them straight or if anything point them inwards.

I didn't think it was somthing you could have once, RSI is more a permanent injury, what you're describing is somthing else.

[joshwa]

it comes and goes for me. i got it really bad last year and had 3 weeks off work and then a long holiday in new zealand and it seemed to go away. if i were to stop using a computer it would probably get much better - i've talked to other people and they just kept on working and ignored it and now it's a permenant thing for them.

[yamangman]

I'm surpised no one has said

"Too much of a good thing eh eh "

That really is a shame joshwa, do you notice using your hands pointed outward at the wrist?

[joshwa]

I'm surpised no one has said

"Too much of a good thing eh eh "

That really is a shame joshwa, do you notice using your hands pointed outward at the wrist?

yeah the mouse one definitely is - the keyboard is too big, so my mouse is too far away. :/

i've moved it but really the numpad is in the way. i should be okay at home because i can use my laptops trackpad / and the keyboard doesn't have a numpad.

maybe i should get work to order me a keyboard without the numpad?

[ANZAC_ELITE]

I get muscle spasms in the shoulder and related back pain from long periods of gaming. Two methods I use are:

squeezing a small soft ball in my left hand whilst mousing with right (theory being not to be using one side of the body exclusively, it works sort of)

and my old fav: Pause and a walk with arms swinging.

Most occupational health people will say 20 minutes on 10 minutes off when it comes to pc's

Yer right, in the middle of a game you gonna say " Wait up guys, my time for 10 minutes away from the keyboard "

After a serious LAN party (24 hours plus) I sometimes can't go near my pc for a couple of days.
Prudence would dictate that this is not good but hey, I'm a mad keen gamer

[0iD]

I had it a lot, untill a friend recommended spending 10 mins on the heavy bag at the gym. Strengthens the wrists nicely, as well as being a darned good workout.

[tiggerai]

Get a Ergo, improves the situation no end... and a wired mouse, wireless batteried ones are too heavy. (keyboards: people weren't designed with arms coming out their chests, so normal keyboards are not designed for human use, this is where the ergo comes in. I've had mine for 4 years, and the difference is amazing!)
Make sure you're sitting at a right position, so that you're not putting unneccesary strain on wrists, shoulders and backs.

i get RSI bad in my wrists and up my forearm, and it tends to help if i strap them up.
Deep Relief (deep heat with ibuprofen mixed in) is also my friend.

Do not ignore it, if it becomes a real problem, get it seen to...

[silent ben]

Apparently, powerballs actually prevent RSI, i think it causes it but who am i to argue with therapists

[Stewart]

I had it a lot, untill a friend recommended spending 10 mins on the heavy bag at the gym.

Cheating on the wife is not on mate, even if it is to fend off the curse of RSI.

[EvilMunky]

I used to get it - and no matter what i did - whether i used the correct procesdures and sitting positions or not - i still got it.

Then someone told me to shift the way i sit every 15 mins or so. So at the mo im slouched in my chair - in a bit i will sit up right, then late will lean to the side etc etc etc.

The change seems to be enough to stop me getting it.

[joshwa]

I used to get it - and no matter what i did - whether i used the correct procesdures and sitting positions or not - i still got it.

Then someone told me to shift the way i sit every 15 mins or so. So at the mo im slouched in my chair - in a bit i will sit up right, then late will lean to the side etc etc etc.

The change seems to be enough to stop me getting it.

sweet - i'll give it a try.

Get a Ergo, improves the situation no end...

i got one - but the print screen button doesn't work, and microsoft moved all the insert/home/del/end keys around - and you can't seem to get the old style one with the keys in the normal place doh!