RSI

Saturday, April 26, 2008 by Stephen

I've been working some long hours the past few weeks, and my wrists and hands are having trouble. I get pain in several different spots, mostly along the back of my right wrist, from a repetitive strain injury. Rachel went to the doctor recently for this, too.

Here's what I do to help out:

• Workrave — Computer program that keeps tabs on keyboard and mouse use and forces breaks, suggesting exercises during the longer breaks.
  
• Cold packs — The blue gel kind you put in the freezer. Apply three times daily, though I haven't done that much.
  
• Ibuprofen — Fights inflammation.
  
• Ergonomics — I set my chair at the recommended height and use a keyboard tray.
  
• Launchy — Computer program for launching computer programs. Helps to avoid using the mouse. I hear it's similar to Quicksilver for the Mac.
  
• Mouser — Use the keyboard to control the mouse, in case mousing is the problem.
  
• Stretching — Nerves could be impinged at my shoulder or neck, so I stretch those ... from time to time.

Really what I need to do is stop using the computer as much as possible. I also wonder if strength exercises would help.