I frequently get calls from people who have been told they have RSI and want to know which mouse would be the best choice for relieving their symptoms. Wouldn't it be wonderful if it was as simple as selecting the right pill to get an instant cure?
RSI or Repetitive Strain Injury is an all encompassing term that covers a multitude of symptoms and conditions, but isn't a diagnosis in itself. It's more of a general term like "sports injury" which could mean a bump on the head or sprained ankle.
So whilst I'd like to say "take this pill and call me in the morning", this won't solve the problem. Many doctors will recommend that you stop repeating the activity, that is causing the strain and ultimately resulting in the injury.
For most of us advice that involves a complete career change that excludes use of a computer is unrealistic so in fact there are only two practical options; avoid getting the problem in the first place, or develop a means of managing it so that you can still work on a computer.
Avoidance is obviously the best plan. As anyone with RSI will tell you, it is a miserable experience and has a shocking impact on your working life.
The following steps are my suggestions for working on a computer without suffering.
1. Adjust your whole workstation and environment to suit you.
2. Ensure your equipment is correctly placed for comfortable working.
3. Purchase in a good adjustable chair that maintains your posture. It might seem expensive at first but is less costly than back treatment and much less painful.
4. Adjust your desk to the most suitable height for your own comfort. This is not the same thing as what your chair will allow. You can do this by placing wooden blocks under the feet or cutting it down if its too high. Height adjustable desks are probably an easier option.
5. Get a fully adjustable, Goldtouch keyboard. These are quite simply the best, You can read up on why by Googling "Goldtouch keyboard"
6. Get several different mice and keep the one you have. Keep alternating between them to minimise repetition. A trackball might seem strange to use at first but you will soon get used to it. Vertical mice also help to reduce twisting or pronation in the wrist
7. Place a document holder above and behind your keyboard. The Microdesk fits over the Goldtouch and offers plent of space for papers. Ideally, you want to keep all your work in a straight line head up position
8. Get your monitor at the right height and distance. Monitor arms are really good for this, easy to use with flat screens and free up space on your desk. If you must use a laptop screen then make sure you have a stand to get it the right height and always use an external keyboard and mouse
9. Use RSI Guard - ALWAYS. You are part of the problem because you think it won't happen to you or you simply can't be bothered. RSI Guard is simple software that can really help you be more aware of how your behaviour is hurting you.
10. Make changes now. Your body can handle a lot of abuse, but when it gives up - you are in big trouble, and the road back is painful and slow. Some people never recover.
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
