Transcript Repetitive Strain Injury

RSI
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What is RSI?
 Repetitive Strain Injuries occur from
repeated physical movements doing damage
to tendons, nerves, muscles, and other soft
body tissues.
 Another name for the condition is
Cumulative Trauma Disorder.
Related Conditions to RSI
 Tendinitis
 Bursitis
 Tenosynovitis
 DeQuervain’s Syndrome
 Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
What are the Symptoms?
 Tightness, discomfort, stiffness, or pain in the
hands, wrists, fingers, forearms, or elbows.
 Tingling, coldness, or numbness in the hands.
 Clumsiness or loss of strength and coordination in
the hands.
 Pain that wakes you up at night.
 Feeling a need to massage your hands, wrists, and
arms.
How Can It Be Prevented?
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Ensure that the operator has a comfortable
sitting position sufficiently flexible to
reach, use, and observe the display screen,
keyboard, and document.
Provide posture support for the back,
arms, legs, and feet, and adjustable display
screens and keyboards.
Ensure that the Video Display Terminals
(VDT) tables or desk are vertically
adjustable to allow for operator
adjustment of the screen and keyboard.
Ensure proper chair height and support to
the lower region of the back.
Ensure that document holders are used to
allow the operator to position and view
material without straining the eyes or
neck, shoulder, and back muscles.
Some Specifics
Don’t rest the
wrist on
anything
while typing.
Tilt The Back Edge Of the
Keyboard Down
 Recent research suggest that all of this may
be easier to do if you tilt the back edge of
your keyboard down, away from you.
Some Other “Tricks”
 Don’t pound on the keys.
 Use two hands to perform double-key
operations like Ctrl-C or Alt-F.
 Take lots of breaks to stretch and relax.
 Hold the mouse lightly.
 Keep your arms & hands warm
 Eliminate unnecessary computer usage.
Other “Stuff”
 Evaluate other activities
 Don’t tuck the telephone between your
shoulder and ear.
 Pay attention to your body.
 Remember that children are at risk too.
What If You Have Symptoms of
RSI?
 See a doctor right away.
 Early diagnosis is critical to limiting
damage.
 Systemic disorders such as diabetes can
mimic or exacerbate RSI.
There Are No Quick Fixes