First-person shooters, for instance. Love ‘em. I still blame Doom, one of the first big shooters, for my initial hand troubles. I’d play for hours on end, using keyboard controls exclusively, with my wrist resting on the edge of the table. Really bad ergonomics, I realize now. But wow, that was fun.

Now I play, when I play at all, mostly casual games. I try to lean towards games that are more strategic and less click-tastic, but sometimes I can’t help myself.

My latest indulgence is a game called Plants vs. Zombies. It’s strategic, yeah, but it requires an insane amount of point-and-click action as well. Needless to say, it’s incredibly addictive.

I try to pace myself, limit my time with the game, but it keeps dragging me back.

Good games will do that.

Meanwhile, my hands are starting to suffer. It’s not at a critical stage yet, but I can see the danger signs and hear the warning bells going off.

So this is not really a recommendation (unless you don’t have hand problems, then it’s a BIG recommendation), but more of a warning.

Do as I say, not as I do, that sort of thing…

If you have RSI, stay way from Plants vs. Zombies.

The NoHands Mouse is a foot-operated mouse that consists of two separate pedals. One pedal operates the pointer, while the other is used for button clicking. By default, a heel-click engages the right mouse button, while a toe-click engages the left mouse button.

Sufferers of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and other hand injuries have restored their mousing quickness and effectiveness with the NoHands Mouse.

The NoHands Mouse eliminates wasteful, repetitive “keyboard-to-mouse” hand movements. With the NoHands Mouse, you can have complete control of the cursor without having to take your hands off the keyboard, or your eyes off the monitor.

For a totally hands-free experience, combine the NoHands Mouse with your choice of voice recognition software or an on screen keyboard.

Learn more about the product at footmouse.com. Here’s a video that explains the product in more detail:

It is certainly an innovative solution, though I imagine it’d take awhile to become proficient with the device. It’s also, at $350, a bit pricey (though no more so than many other specialized ergonomic devices).

But just think of all the fun you could have freaking out your office co-workers — you’d be sitting back with your arms crossed, seemingly relaxing and doing nothing, while your feet were busy pointing and clicking and getting some work done.

Just be careful mixing the NoHands Mouse with toe-tapping music!

Over two years ago I experienced tingling and numbness in my right hand. At times the pain was so restrictive I could not move my hand and at other times there was a prickly sensation as if my hand had “fallen asleep” and I could not regain the proper feeling or use. The surgeon who examined me was talking about surgery so I was going to do my homework first. The thought of surgery spurred me on to find out more and though I was diagnosed with an inflamed ulnar nerve, the research I did kept leading me to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Judy goes on to discuss her search for alternatives to surgery, and what she’s done to help alleviate her pain — including wearing a wrist brace and using a stress ball, as well as utilizing herbal supplements such as Turmeric, Biotin, and Bromelain, among others.

Lots of good information here: Herbal and Nutritional Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Trigger Finger On The Rise

Prior to the 1990’s, Trigger Finger seemed to affect a small number of the elderly that had experienced some form of direct trauma or excessive strain to one or possibly several fingers. Trigger Finger was more prevalent in those that were already suffering with Osteoarthritis in the affected hand, making many healthcare professionals to believe that Trigger Finger was a byproduct of Osteoarthritis. But within the past 5-years, the age of those suffering from Trigger Finger became much “younger” while the overall number of individuals with the disorder increased. The belief of a direct correlation between those suffering with Osteoarthritis and Trigger Finger seems to be reducing in popularity as many of those suffering with Trigger Finger do not have Osteoarthritis, but instead, are involved in high-risk tasks that are already associated as the causative factor in many types of Repetitive Strain Injuries.

Injuries resulting from repeated motion (repetitive / cumulative trauma disorders — CTD’s) are growing. According to recent annual statistics from the U.S. Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, over 302,000 CTD’s account for nearly two-thirds all of workplace-related illnesses.

Ergonomic disorders are the fastest growing category of work-related illness. According to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, they account for 56 percent of illnesses reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Trigger Finger – Recognized as a Repetitive Strain Injury

Now that Trigger Finger is rearing its head in the workplace with increased intensity, it has been added to the growing list of debilitating Repetitive strain Injuries. Trigger Finger now joins the ranks of Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Epicondylitis, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, DeQuervain’s and the many other debilitating workplace disorders affecting the upper extremity. So, what is Trigger Finger, how is it recognized and what are its symptoms?

Trigger Finger Explained

Trigger Finger is a form of overuse injury affecting any of the fingers (1-5) with symptoms ranging from a painless annoyance with occasional snapping/jerking of the finger(s), to severe dysfunction and pain with continuous locking of the finger(s) in a flexed downward / forward position into the palm of the hand.

The occurrence of this injury usually results from overuse of the flexor muscles/tendons and the formation of an adhesion or fibrotic nodule on the tendon. If left untreated, the adhesion/nodule becomes larger, therefore creating a conflicting ratio between the size of the tendon and the size of the entrance of the tendon sheath. In most cases, if the adhesion/nodule is not treated, it can continue to increase in size (Depending on activity/use of the affected finger) to the point where it still has the ability to pass into and through the tendon sheath when flexing the finger, but becomes stuck and cannot move back through the tendon sheath when trying to extend/straighten the finger, thus causing the finger to lock in the flexed forward / downward position.

The Trigger Finger Solution

Because Trigger Finger consists of an adhesion, nodule, and scar tissue buildup on the tendon due to excess strain, overuse, or direct trauma to that specific location on the tendon, it should be treated with stretching and strengthening exercises in order to break down the adhesion on the affected tendon. By breaking down the adhesion on the affected tendon, it reduces in size and slides through the pulley system in a normal manner, no longer “catching” and locking into the downward flexed position. (There is also a “thinning” of the tendon, which helps reduce the overall size of the tendon and nodule, therefore allowing it to pass through the tendon sheath with greater ease.) Creating strength in the opposing finger extensor tendons is very important as it allows the finger to return to an extended position in a more appropriate manner. This is where muscle balancing comes into play. By creating equality of tendon length and strength on both sides of the finger joint, individuals can help prevent the onset of Trigger Finger and/or keep it from re-occurring in the future.

Conservative therapy utilizing stretches and exercises has been highly effective, providing long-term and permanent relief. For those wanting to avoid surgery and for those where surgery was not effective in eliminating the condition, stretch and exercise therapy is the solution to both preventing and rehabilitating the devastating symptoms associated with Trigger finger.

Article by Jeff P. Anliker, LMT, a Therapist and Inventor of Therapeutic Exercise Products that are utilized by Corporations, Consumers and Medical Facilities around the world for the prevention and rehabilitation of repetitive strain injuries: repetitive-strain.com.

I have still not recovered from RSI, I get numerous flare-ups at completely random intervals. I sometimes think what else have I got to do. I steadily modify my own treatments, increasing and decreasing supplements, exercises of differing types and sleep patterns. Still, when it comes down to it I can’t say that I am cured, that I am like a person without repetitive strain.

In a way I feel like I’m twice the age I am. My body could be that of a 70 year old and my fuzziness and days of cloudy thinking could be easily confused as something that is suffering from early stages of dementia. Still, the GP and NHS can offer nothing for treatment or diagnostic assistance. I am left to do it myself, to try things and be a guinea pig. I’m left without any help what so ever and if I wasn’t for those that I live with, I would be totally screwed on those days I can’t even pick up a kettle on water.

At the moment I am going through a period of discomfort and my head is all over the place. What do I try next, what is left? I don’t know any more.

Wow, sounds like they’re going through a really rough period. Everyone who lives with a chronic condition has those days when everything seems to fall apart, when the struggle seems too much to bear, when the pain and the stress of coping is just soul-crushingly oppressive.

So don’t feel too alone, efhell. We’ve all been there, and periodically revisit this scary and depressing place.

One thing I wondered, as I was reading efhell’s brutally honest and heartbreaking tale, was whether he (or she) was getting enough exercise. The post (of which only an excerpt is shown above) mentions working out with weights, and elsewhere long walks are a frequent topic, but I wonder at their cardiovascular fitness.

Personally, I have found that maintaining a higher level of fitness is important in keeping my RSI at bay. A few years ago I began riding a bicycle, and as I worked my way back into shape over the course of several years, I not only dropped about 25 pounds of weight (which is in itself good for combating RSI), but discovered that simply being fit seemed to help ward off the worst, and it certainly helped keep my mood and energy level up. I’m probably in the best shape I’ve been in since my early twenties.

I’m not saying that I’m cured of RSI. If I’m stupid or stubborn, or work too long or too hard or with improper technique, my hands will definitely let me know about it.

Interestingly, in researching the topic, I came up with this:

Some experts have reported that people who are physically fit, including athletes, joggers, and swimmers, have a lower risk for cumulative trauma disorders. Although there is no evidence that exercise can directly improve CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), a regular exercise regimen using a combination of aerobic and resistance training techniques strengthens the muscles in the shoulders, arms, and back, helps reduce weight, and improves overall health and well-being. In one 2001 study, CTS patients experienced symptom relief and signs of improved nerve conduction after 10 months of participation in an aerobic exercise program. (Such improvements appeared to be due to both weight loss and higher oxygen levels.)

So efhell, if you haven’t tried improving your fitness, give it a go. Start slowly, and build up gradually.

Aerobic fitness may seem to be unrelated to RSI, but I can testify that, at least in my case, it’s seemed to make a big difference.

Currently, employers have a legal duty to prevent the occurrence of risks of injury or illness, which are reasonably foreseeable in relation to their employees. However, the latest statistics suggest preventative action to reduce the risk of RSI is still lacking, causing many thousands of workers to develop this debilitating condition.

Despite the well-proven business case of providing occupational health services, it seems to be a low priority with many employers. Only 12.5% of employers provide rehabilitation services and as few as 6.5% of small businesses provide any access to occupational health services for their employees. But it is a big worry to workers -– a recent TUC survey found that 40 per cent of workers felt RSI was a safety concern.

RSI costs employers around £300 million per year in lost working time, sick pay and administration. An estimated 2.8 million working days were lost in 2007-08 due to RSI, with on average each person affected taking 13.3 days off sick. However, RSI is usually preventable or treatable with help from a physiotherapist.

The CSP said that “There is a clear opportunity for employers to do more to provide occupational health services both with regard to prevention of RSI and rehabilitation”, and they are “calling on the Government to both encourage and enforce measures to address this with legislation, combined with incentives and best practice guidance. We may then, after the frustration of many years of no progress, begin to see some reduction in the rates of this almost completely preventable condition.”

In addition to calling for legislation, the CSP is providing a fact sheet on how to avoid repetitive strain injuries.

Refer to the CSP web site for comprehensive statistics on RSI in the UK, with particularly interesting data on the occupations with the highest rates of musculoskeletal disorders.

A lot of people on YouTube have reported success with David’s techniques…

I’ve been a long-time user of the IMAK SmartGlove, a sort of glove-like device that you wear on your hand, with a built-in wrist rest made of tiny plastic beads. It’s basically a mousepad that follows your hand around, providing support for both mousing and typing, and not getting in the way of either activity.

I’ve been using the SmartGlove for at least five years, and long ago reached the point where it felt strange to be computing without it. Although the glove is reasonably rugged, they do wear out, and I’ve gone through several of them.

My most recent SmartGlove was getting rather threadbare, so I purchased another glove, only the store didn’t have the SmartGlove in stock, so I went with IMAK’s Computer Glove.

Here’s IMAK’s description of the Computer Glove:

For Wrist Protection, Support, Relief and Comfort

The IMAK® Computer Glove provides superb wrist support, cushioning and protecting your wrist from hard surfaces and laptop heat. IMAK’s ergoBeads™ pad gently massages your palm while supporting your wrist in an ergonomic position.

The IMAK Computer Glove also helps prevent and relieve pain from repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Our Computer Glove is the perfect mobile wrist support for computing and gaming comfort.

• Helps relieve and prevent carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) pain
• Increases your comfort for laptops, desktop computers, writing and more
• Comfortable mobility with full use of hand
• Compact size – ideal for traveling
• ergoBeads cushion protects the wrist
• Breathable cotton Lycra®
• Extra strong elastic on top for added support
• Reversible to fit right or left hand

The Computer Glove is very similar to the SmartGlove, though it’s not quite as long and it doesn’t have the stiff splint in the back. And the sizing seems a little tighter, but not uncomfortably so. Also, instead of being all black, it’s a mottled gray — rather attractive.

If you’re looking for a nice solution to the problem of an uncomfortable wrist rest, give a Computer Glove or SmartGlove a try. I think you’ll like it.

You may also want to check out the complete line of IMAK Products for more innovative health products.

No guitar strumming for Bronson Arroyo these days. No autograph signing, either. Pitching? He’s still doing that, but the results weren’t good the past couple times.

The Cincinnati Reds’ musically inclined pitcher is having a recurrence of the carpal-tunnel syndrome that has bothered him from time to time over the past few years.

This bout is especially nasty, along with the timing: The season starts in less than one week.

The problem has forced him to make changes in his lifestyle. Arroyo said it’s so difficult to squeeze a pen that he’s having teammates pay his bills for him. He has to turn down all autograph requests from fans at games — writing his name on a baseball or a piece of paper is too bothersome.

“I’ve been having guys write stuff for me,” he said. “They’re paying my bills. I can’t write.”

The biggest change involves his second love. Arroyo rarely goes a day without playing his guitar. He does numerous concerts in the offseason, playing lead guitar and singing in a band. On road trips, there’s usually a melody coming from his room.

Not lately. Holding a pick between his thumb and index finger aggravates the problem. For now, the music is on hold, something that is starting to exasperate him.

“I can’t play at all,” he said, dropping his head and his tone of voice. “That’s it. It drives me crazy.”

Besides putting the guitar away and letting someone else pay his bills, Arroyo has been wearing a brace when he’s away from the field as a reminder to take it easy with the hand. He’s taking anti-inflammatory drugs as well, hoping that makes the problem subside.

Read more

Repetitive Stress Injuries are complications that occur when a large amount of stress is experienced in a certain area of the body. The stress that is most common in this type of situation is the type that occurs over and over again on a consistent basis. There are several different types of RSI. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is just one type of injury that may be experienced when an individual suffers from injuries that are due to stress injuries that are repetitive in nature.

Causes of Repetitive Stress Injuries

There are a number of potential causes when it comes to repetitive stress injuries. Individuals that spend long hours on a computer may be prone to this type of injury. However, it has been found that certain physical activities, such as sports, may also result in the development of repetitive stress that can be potentially harmful to various areas of the body. There are certain jobs that an individual may engage in that result in injuries to certain areas of the body. Individuals that work in factories, an office, as a cashier, or those that play various types of musical instruments may be subjected to this type of physical complication.

The Symptoms of Repetitive Stress Injuries

There are a number of symptoms that may be experienced when an individual experiences RSI. The following details a list of the potential complications and uncomfortable symptoms that are likely to be experienced:

1. In the area that is severely affected, it is common for a sufferer to experience a numb sensation. This may be accompanied by tingling in the area.
2. The neck and the back area of the individual that suffers from RSI, or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a type of RSI, may become quite stiff and relatively sore.
3. Very often the extremities that are affected the most will feel weak. Many may complain that the area feels “tired”. In reality, the area actually is quite tired.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at a Glance

There is a small area in the wrist of an individual that is often referred to as a “tunnel” by medical professionals. This is a relatively narrow space. However, when an individual experiences RSI, swelling is quite common. When the swelling affects this narrow space in the wrist area, it causes pressure to occur on the nerves in the area. These nerves are responsible for delivering impulses that are both “motor” and “sensory” to the hand. Naturally, if there is pressure on the nerves that have this responsibility, the individual is likely to experience pain in the hand. Symptoms that may also occur include that of tingling sensations, weakness, and even odd sensations of numbness.

Conclusion

While Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a type of injury that occurs as a result of Repetitive Stress Injuries, they are not one and the same. Repetitive Stress Injuries are ultimately considered to be the “cause” and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is considered to be the effect.

One of the most common causes of both RSI’s and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is simply improper workstation setup. From your keyboard and mouse to your chair and workstation, it’s probably designed to fit an “average” The problem is, few people are average, and using one-size-fits-all equipment hundreds of times every day can cause significant damage to wrists and other affected areas

If you’re ready to customize your work environment, Ergonomic Resources can help!

Article by Frank Barnett.