I get a large number of people asking me which mouse will help relieve the pain of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) when using a computer. If only it was that straightforward to get an instant cure.
Repetitive Strain Injury or RSI is a term that encompasses a wide variety of conditions but is not an actual diagnosis. Its like the expression "sports injury" it could be a twisted ankle or a bump on the head!
Most ailments will be greeted with default advice of take 2 paracetemol and stay in bed, regardless of what it is. It's a method for finding out whether your own defence system will deal with the problem and fix the ailment or whether further action is required. It is not uncommon for some doctors to recommend you to stop repeating the activity that is causing the repetitive strain injury as a cure.
However for the majority of us, this would involve a complete change of career that doesn't involve the use of a computer. As this is impractical for most people, you are left with two practical options; avoid getting the injury in the first place, or develop a method of managing it so can continue using computers.
RSI is avoidable, and this is obviously the best plan. As anyone has experienced RSI will tell you, it's painful and has a serious impact on your working life.
Here are some tips for avoidance of RSIs that will help you continue to work at your computer without suffering. These also apply if you already have an RSI but be prepared to work at it even harder to get results.
1. Adjust your whole workstation to fit you not the other way around
2. If your equipment is not positioned correctly and you can not adjust it - it is not ergonomic and you will suffer as a result.
3. Start with your posture and invest in a good adjustable chair. It might seem expensive but is less costly than back treatment and much less painful
4. Adjust your desk to the right height for you. This is not the same thing as what your chair will allow. If necessary, insert small blocks of wood under the legs or saw a bit off if its too high. Alternatively invest in a height adjustable desk.
5. Get a fully adjustable keyboard like the Goldtouch. In fact get a Goldtouch, nothing else comes close. You can read up on why on the internet, just google "Goldtouch keyboard"
6. Get another mouse or even better get two, and keep the one you have. Keep switching between them so that you minimise the repetition. Get different ones, a trackball might feel a bit strange at first but you will get used to it. Vertical mice help a great deal to reduce twisting or pronation in the wrist
7. Get a document holder that can sit over and behind your keyboard. There are lots to choose from, the Microdesk will fit over the Goldtouch and gives lots of space for papers. The key feature is that you want to keep all your work in a straight line head up position
8. Place your monitor at eyelevel and at a reasonable distance. Monitor arms are excellent for this and also free up space on your desk. If you use a laptop screen make sure you position it the right height and always use an external keyboard and mouse.
9. Always use RSIGuard Software. This is an absolute essential. Don't think it can't happen to you. RSIGuard is a very simple software package that will show you how your behaviour is hurting you.
10. Act Now! Your body will tolerate maltreatment for a long time but once it gives up - you are in big trouble, and the road to recovery is painful and slow.
Repetitive Strain Injury or RSI is a term that encompasses a wide variety of conditions but is not an actual diagnosis. Its like the expression "sports injury" it could be a twisted ankle or a bump on the head!
Most ailments will be greeted with default advice of take 2 paracetemol and stay in bed, regardless of what it is. It's a method for finding out whether your own defence system will deal with the problem and fix the ailment or whether further action is required. It is not uncommon for some doctors to recommend you to stop repeating the activity that is causing the repetitive strain injury as a cure.
However for the majority of us, this would involve a complete change of career that doesn't involve the use of a computer. As this is impractical for most people, you are left with two practical options; avoid getting the injury in the first place, or develop a method of managing it so can continue using computers.
RSI is avoidable, and this is obviously the best plan. As anyone has experienced RSI will tell you, it's painful and has a serious impact on your working life.
Here are some tips for avoidance of RSIs that will help you continue to work at your computer without suffering. These also apply if you already have an RSI but be prepared to work at it even harder to get results.
1. Adjust your whole workstation to fit you not the other way around
2. If your equipment is not positioned correctly and you can not adjust it - it is not ergonomic and you will suffer as a result.
3. Start with your posture and invest in a good adjustable chair. It might seem expensive but is less costly than back treatment and much less painful
4. Adjust your desk to the right height for you. This is not the same thing as what your chair will allow. If necessary, insert small blocks of wood under the legs or saw a bit off if its too high. Alternatively invest in a height adjustable desk.
5. Get a fully adjustable keyboard like the Goldtouch. In fact get a Goldtouch, nothing else comes close. You can read up on why on the internet, just google "Goldtouch keyboard"
6. Get another mouse or even better get two, and keep the one you have. Keep switching between them so that you minimise the repetition. Get different ones, a trackball might feel a bit strange at first but you will get used to it. Vertical mice help a great deal to reduce twisting or pronation in the wrist
7. Get a document holder that can sit over and behind your keyboard. There are lots to choose from, the Microdesk will fit over the Goldtouch and gives lots of space for papers. The key feature is that you want to keep all your work in a straight line head up position
8. Place your monitor at eyelevel and at a reasonable distance. Monitor arms are excellent for this and also free up space on your desk. If you use a laptop screen make sure you position it the right height and always use an external keyboard and mouse.
9. Always use RSIGuard Software. This is an absolute essential. Don't think it can't happen to you. RSIGuard is a very simple software package that will show you how your behaviour is hurting you.
10. Act Now! Your body will tolerate maltreatment for a long time but once it gives up - you are in big trouble, and the road to recovery is painful and slow.
About the Author:
Paul Goddard is an Education Officer at Keytools and a well known RSI expert. He claims that RSI problems are easily preventable and his company, Keytools provides assistive technology for people with RSI including the RSIGuide software for prevention of RSI
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