take care
As we spend hours in front of our computers, we sometimes place demands on our bodies that they are
simply not designed to handle. We far too often choose to ignore the signals which tell us that
something is wrong and don't take enough rest to recover. I now know from experience that this might
lead to repetitive strain injuries.
On this page, I will try to give you some information that
can help you to recognise rsi symptoms in time to prevent problems.
what is rsi?
rsi (also know as cumulative trauma disorder) is a soft tissue injury in which muscles, nerves, or
tendons become irritated or inflamed. Often caused by repetitive motions, rsi strains the soft tissues,
reducing circulation. Over time, these strains cause tiny tears in the muscles and tendons to develop.
If ignored, permanent tissue damage and disability can eventually result.
rsi is easier to prevent than it is to cure. One of the most important things you can do if you think
that you might be developing rsi (aside from seeing your doctor) is to stop performing the motions which
aggravate it.
what are the symptoms?
Symptoms to look out for include chronic pain, stiffness, pins and needles, tingling,
numbness, coldness and weakness in the affected part. They may migrate from one part of the body to
another and become chronic if corrective action is not taken swiftly.
The debilitating effect of rsi is often underestimated. It was once described as a condition that starts
as a whisper: the first signs are rubbing one's hands because of some minor irritation, shaking the
wrists or clutching at the neck. These symptoms seem pretty innocuous and usually disappear after a
weekend's rest. However, if the sufferer continues to carry out the repetitive movements and the
symptoms increase to, for example, pain which prevents sleep, there is a serious problem because the
whisper has become a shout.
worried about rsi?
If you think that you may have rsi problems - if your hands hurt or tingle, or if you get pain in your
elbow, wrist, or shoulder - you should make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. But
first of all, you should switch off your computer NOW. rsi is much easier to prevent than it is to cure!
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info
The Dutch RSI Association
maintains a website providing information in English on all aspects of the syndrome.
speech recognition
A year ago I did not know what I know now, and that is why I will probably remain susceptible to rsi for
the rest of my life. Typing is not an option anymore but fortunately my speech recognition software allows
me to work handsfree.
more...
keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are a fantastic way to reduce mouse strain and allow you to work faster on top of that.
more...
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