Irene Jokonya’s hands and wrists are her lifeline–the hair extension specialist threads needles and ties more than 300 knots day.

About two years ago she noticed a painful tingling sensation.

“It’s right around here,” Irene said while pointing to her wrist. “Every once in awhile my fingers will get numb and pain sometimes goes out to this muscle too and sometimes up to my shoulder.”

She’s tried wearing a brace and acupuncture–both helped but not enough.

“At first I was just like so sad and didn’t know what to do and was confused and really depressed about it because I love doing hair but I don’t love the pain in my hands,” Irene said.

We interviewed Irene during one of her last appointments before undergoing surgery to treat her carpal tunnel syndrome. [read more]

In another case, from Great Falls, Montana, carpal-tunnel surgery brought relief to a hairdresser:

Kathy Fleming’s hands used to ache, tingle and become numb.

The Great Falls hair dresser’s symptoms were the worst at night, and sometimes they’d keep her from sleeping — the result of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Fleming had surgery in 2009 to correct the condition. Since then the symptoms have disappeared entirely.

“That night, I slept all night after the surgery,” she said. “It was amazing.” [read more]

This video share’s the story of Marcee, a hair stylist who had struggled with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for 13 years:

And finally, this video demonstrates proper technique that might help you avoid RSI problems:

Are you a hair care professional who has experienced problems with your hands? Feel free to share your story in the comments!

What I needed was a personal secretary.

In the advertisement, he said that he specialized in assisting people who suffered from my condition. He assured me that my hands needn’t touch the computer keyboard: He could take dictation, check my email, and help me do searches on the Internet! He wanted very much to help.

He moved in. Our relationship soon became more intimate than any I had previously experienced. I was filled with needy desperation, and he had absolutely no interpersonal boundaries.

His name was Dragon Dictate for Macintosh.

In the honeymoon period, I found his mistakes adorable. Actually, I assumed that he garbled my words to charm me.

Long story short, Dragon Dictate proved endlessly frustrating.

Her experiences with Dragon Naturally Speaking for Windows were quite different:

One of my students, a PC devotee, kept telling me that everything would get better if I invested in a PC and dumped Dictate; there was a program for PCs that worked much better. I kept hearing the same thing, even from Mac lovers. What finally impelled me to move on was the great disparity between Dick’s enthusiasm and the real quality of his love. The gulf between the two had filled me to overflowing with bitter resentment.

I bought an inexpensive PC (which predictably freezes up more than my Mac), and installed Dragon Naturally Speaking, the PC-compatible version.

The first time I used the program, I cried. I could center text instantly, change the font of a word, line or paragraph, strike out words, page up, page down, rapidly read and delete emails, and most astonishingly, say things I thought made sense and be perfectly understood.

I wonder if the programs are that different, or if, as one commenter suggested, the quality of speech recognition has more to do with processor speed and available memory than with operating system?

If you’ve used these two program, feel free to weigh in with your experiences…

Read Mary’s full article at When I lost the ability to type.

• Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
  Place your hands and arms naturally and comfortably, and enjoy the cutting-edge design and improved performance for maximium productivity. The improved split design encourages a more natural hand, wrist, and forearm position and its new curved key layout makes keys easier to reach.

• Logitech M305 Wireless Mouse
  The Logitech Wireless Mouse M305 offers exceptional comfort and cordless convenience. The contoured shape and soft rubber grips keep your hand comfortable, even after long hours at the computer. The precision optical tracking provides responsive, smooth cursor control with high-definition optical tracking, and the tiny nano-receiver gives you a reliable connection with virtually no delays or dropouts.

• Wacom Bamboo Create Pen Tablet
  The Bamboo Create pen and touch tablet opens up a new world for digital art and photo projects. With twice the workspace of other tablets, Bamboo Create gives you plenty of space to express yourself, enabling broad brush strokes or arm movements.

• Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad
  The Razer Nostromo gaming keypad is designed to give you the upper hand with cutting edge ergonomics designed for intuitive game control while you play in complete comfort. With an arsenal of tournament-grade controls including 16 fully programmable Hype response keys, 8 key maps that you can switch between on the fly, and an 8-way directional thumb pad all integrated into one dedicated gaming keypad, you’re prepared to take on all challengers.

• Logitech Wireless Wave Keyboard and Laser Mouse Combo
  With contoured curves in all the right places, this ergonomic keyboard and mouse give you the support you need to minimize hand and wrist strain—even after spending all day on your computer. More comfort also means you can type as you normally do using the standard keyboard layout you already know.

• Kensington Expert Mouse Optical USB Trackball
  Navigate with greater comfort and precision while saving valuable desktop space with the Kensington Expert Mouse Optical USB Trackball. Its optical technology delivers precise cursor control with the touch of a finger, and trackballs require far less wrist movement than a mouse to provide a pain-free computing experience.

• 2Loop iPad Handle
  Now there really is a convenient and ergonomic way to hold your iPad with the 2Loop iPad Handle. It’s a grip-free, hand-held iPad 2 holder that fits on any two fingers – left or right handed. Just slide them into position and you’re ready to go. It also swivels 360 degrees so you can move from Portrait to landscape with ease.

• Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball
  This hand-friendly wireless trackball lets you work and play wherever you want. No mouse to move around. No tricky keypad leaving your hand feeling cramped. Just roll the ball with your thumb and click. Precision never felt so comfortable. The sculpted shape supports your hand for comfortable control all day long.

• Handstands Beaded Ergonomic Keyboard Wrist Rest
  This ergonomic bead wrist rest is a lightweight, durable wrist rest that fits all popular keyboards and gently massages hands and wrists. It provides optimal comfort and support, and its bean-bag style allows it to fit nearly any keyboard shape.
  

• Mobo Chair-Mount Ergo Keyboard and Mouse Tray System
  The Mobo is a revolutionary keyboard and mouse tray system that attaches directly to your existing office chair, and naturally positions both desktop and laptop computer users in a comfortable and healthy neutral body position, eliminating awkward reaching and stretching while providing unsurpassed comfort and mobility.

Product details provided courtesy of Amazon, based on sales numbers on their e-commerce web site, and reflect the buying behavior of millions of people.

Do you have a favorite game that you think should be on this list? Comment!

Disclosure: RSI-Relief.com is a member of the Amazon Associate program. You can help support our web site by purchasing products through our affiliate links, or directly at Amazon.com. Thanks!

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Online shopping is comparatively mellow. You can take your time, comparison shop right from your easy chair or office, and get the perfect gifts shipped to you, often for free!

The day that has come to be known as “Cyber Monday” takes place the first Monday after Thanksgiving, and many online retailers offer great deals, not only that day, but throughout the holiday season and right up to the big day.

My favorite place to shop online is probably Amazon, which offers an amazing variety of products, including electronics, clothing, sporting goods, toys and games, and, of course, books.

Personally, I’m intrigued by the new Kindle Devices, which are not only the world’s most popular e-readers, but have evolved into table computers and even gaming devices. I don’t have one yet, but am powerfully tempted (hint-hint for any family members reading this!).

Amazon offers a whole week of savings in honor of Cyber Monday, and the great deals continue right up to Christmas, and well beyond.

Hint: If you want to make it easy for others to shop for you, set up your own wishlist with the products you’d most like to recieve, via Amazon’s Gifting Page, and don’t forget to send the link to your friends and family!

Finally, if you’re really stumped for a gift (or just, as many of us are, lazy), Shop Amazon’s Gift Cards, which can be used anytime, and are available in nearly any amount.

Disclosure: RSI-Relief.com is an Amazon affiliate. When you shop at Amazon, by clicking through one of the links listed here, and make a purchase, we’ll earn a small commission. If you do so, thanks! Amazon sales help to keep this valuable web site online, and encourages fresh content and frequent updates!

Happy holidays!

Robert Vignoli offers an interesting point of view in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain Is Not Just Physical:

Though not part of a normal description of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, this crippling disorder has many emotional effects as well. Because of this disorder, many strong emotions may come up that one is not prepared to deal with. It is important to familiarize yourself with the common emotional upheavals so you can be prepared to deal with them.

Robert goes on to discuss some of the feelings Carpal Tunnel Syndrome sufferers might experience, which include:

• Feelings of uselessness
• Anxiety and fear of the future
• Loss of enjoyment in fun activities
• Serious depression

He ends with some solid advice: “Don’t let it get you down. Get help, and don’t forget that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome doesn’t always last forever. Early recognition and proper treatment is important to treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.”

Good topic, Robert!

The new model is curved along a more severe arc than Microsoft’s previous keyboard. Its uniformly sized keys should help minimize the initial awkwardness we felt with the older Comfort Curve designs. It also incorporates a slightly elevated portion in the middle of the keyboard, which can help minimize joint pressure. We can’t confirm whether those features will offer tangible physiological benefits to everyone who uses the new keyboard, but you can also find out with relatively little risk when the Comfort Curve 3000 goes on sale in August for $19.99. [ read more ]

The previous generation of the product was the Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000.

I’ve been using the Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000 for several years now, am well satisfied with it, but if and when mine dies, I’ll be sure to take a good look at the Comfort Curve series, as well as competing products such as the Logitech K350 Wireless Keyboard.

Here are a couple of preview photos from Microsoft:

And here are the features touted by the manufacturer:

Your hands will thank you

It’s ergonomist approved and helps provide a more natural wrist position that just feels right from the first time you use it.

Contour: it’s familiar, yet modern

All the keys are the same size and in a familiar place, even with the contoured design. The slim, glossy design saves space and makes a statement on your desktop.

Contour key bed

Designed to provide more direct key strikes for less finger effort.

Easy-access media keys

Control your music and videos, and open the Calculator with the touch of a key.

If you’ve used one of the “Comfort Curve” line of keyboards, feel free to comment with your impressions!

It’s almost the 4th of July, and we’re all thinking about freedom {and hamburgers and hotdogs and swimming}. Anyway, this Independence Day why not treat yourself to a little freedom? You already have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but do you have ergonomic freedom?

Ergonomic freedom may seem a silly idea, but it just means the ability to adjust your equipment to your own needs and wants so that you can work more productively and with less strain.

A built-in, centered mouse can be crucial in achieving an ideal typing posture and maintaining better typing habits. The benefit to a split keyboard is that you can adjust it- you can either split the two halves or keep them together or change it up as you want. Adjustability is never a bad thing. [read more]

Though Emily’s focus on a “split” keyboard, may or may not be your thing (I’ve never used one, so can’t comment), the sentiment — freedom from pain — rings true.

What other steps might we take in that direction?

• Rest: Take advantage of the long weekend, and the extra day off work, to rest your body. That doesn’t mean doing nothing, but don’t perform activities that stress the limbs that bear the brunt of your work-day strain. For many of us, that would mean resting the hands, wrists, and arms by minimizing such things as computer use, video gaming, or using power tools.
• Exercise: As much as we need to rest the parts of our bodies that take a beating, it can be of great help to work out the parts that are little-used. Running, cycling, even a long walk can do wonders to get the heart rate up and refresh our spirits, even as the activity tires our bodies. A little sweat is a good thing (and a hot shower feels so nice after a hard workout)!
• Research ergonomic aids: Maybe Emily’s split keyboard is just the trick, or perhaps such things as ergonomic mice, ergonomic chairs, wrist braces, hand exercisers, or other products could do you some good. Research the options, read some reviews, and try products out at a local store if you can (or use an online retailer with a sensible return policy).
• Reduce Stress: Consider other sources of stress in your life that may be contributing to your pain. Perhaps spending some time with loved ones, an intimate evening with someone special, or simply dealing with long-delayed problems can make a significant difference in your life. After all, emotional stress can sometimes manifest itself as physical pain.

Hope you have a great weekend, and can take some positive steps towards freedom form RSI pain!

If your work position isn’t in proper alignment, then you are gradually creating a repetitive stress injury (RSI). Caused by repetitive movements of the hands, arms and shoulders, this condition can gradually evolve into something quite painful.

When you make the wrong movements, even slightly off alignment, the blood flow to the muscles is reduced. As this pattern sets in and continues to repeat, tendons move over ligaments and bones, and they become inflamed. In the worst case scenario, you could develop something called a pinched nerve in your lower back or your neck. The repetitive pattern has the power to turn a small pain into a full fledged problem that could become serious enough to require surgery.

If you have RSI, the first symptoms would be acute pain in the muscles of your shoulders, wrists and arms. The condition would continue even after you have stopped the activity. You may also have a pain that seems to run up the arm to the shoulder like waves. Or you may feel a tingling sensation or numbness in one area. This aspect is scary, especially if your fingers going numb affect your typing speed.

As the pain increases, it does not stop even after you leave work. You would feel pain, no matter how small the tasks you are attending are. Numbness and pain can also impact the quality of your sleep. The pain could be bad enough to force you to give up activities you normally enjoy, such as cooking, playing sports and sewing. Pain went from being occasional and only present while you were at work, to constant.

The time to deal with repetitive stress injury is at the first sign of pain. You shouldn’t sit in any other way than straight on your chair. Leaning or slouching is bad for your back and puts you out of alignment to the keyboard. Arrange your keyboard height so that your elbows are bent and wrists are not bent as you type. You might want to purchase a gel filled wrist rest from an office supply store. You can even get a smaller gel wrist rest for your mouse. Beware of placing your mouse anywhere higher than your keyboard, since those movements put a lot of stress on the shoulders. That’s really rough on your shoulder joint.

Try to remove your hand from the mouse or keyboard when you are not typing. Once or twice each hour, you should exercise your wrists for about a minute. Try moving your hand up and down, and bending your elbow to move your arm. Other RSI exercises can be found online.

You should take action to change your pattern before repetitive stress syndrome gets worse. This problem has the potential to evolve into carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and bursitis, so you really should take it seriously. RSI is definitely different than just any pain, and it can lead to workplace disability.

About the Author:
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For me, Winter is usually a time of focused work. I spend much of my time indoors, sitting in front of the computer, programming, writing, browsing, and occasionally playing games.

I enjoy the work, but by the time Spring rolls around, my hands have tired of long days (and often evenings) of computer work.

I can feel the strain in my hands and wrists and forearms, usually not acutely painful, but a dull ache that wears on a person.

When the weather warms, I like to head outdoors during at least part of the day. I may still be spending plenty of time in front of a computer, but for shorter periods. I typically work in the mornings, then head out for a bike ride or errand or yard-work around mid-day. When I return, if I’m not too wiped out, I’ll resume work in the late afternoon and evening.

That seems to be the ideal patterns for me: work-relax-work-sleep.

Not all days work out that way, of course, due to other commitments, but that’s what I aim for.

Once I get outdoors and start exercising more, and spending shorter periods with a mouse or keyboard, I notice an immediate improvement, not only in my hands, but in my attitude.

By this time of the year, I can definitely say that I’m ready for Spring!

How about you? Does Spring make a difference in your RSI pain?

Wrist extension and flexion

When there is not a straight line from your elbow to your fingers, then your wrists don’t seem to be flat. They’re bent, in either a flexed position or an extended position. When the hands are moving downward, they’re flexed. When the hands are lifted up, they’re extended.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

When your wrists are kept in one position for too long, you’ll develop a Repetitive Stress Injury, or RSI. This can be sometimes caused by repetitive movements due to work or hobbies.

Your hand and forearm muscles are affected. And the surrounding structures, like your joints, connective tissue (fascia), and therefore the carpal tunnel in your wrist, can be shifted out of alignment.

When surrounding tissues are imbalanced, they restrict fascia, nerves, and blood flow. This results in your pain.

Stretches for natural pain relief

Certain, stretching will loosen muscles and fascia, relieving tension that causes you pain. But it is important to understand which stretches can facilitate, and that will hurt.

Extension movement commonly causes wrist pain and carpal tunnel symptoms. Typing, as an example, keeps your wrists slightly extended for long periods of time. This is additionally common with crafting and construction work. In time, the carpal tunnel shifts out of place, restricting nerves and alternative tissues. Ouch!

If prolonged wrist extension is causing your pain, then you wish to avoid extension stretches. There are 2 ‘unhealthy stretches’ that patients commonly follow, however mistakenly suppose they’re doing themselves sensible after they are, after all, doing additional harm. Here are the 2 extension stretches to avoid:

1. Reach one arm straight out in front of you. Flip your palm up, as if to inform someone ‘Stop!’ With the other hand, press against the fingertips, pulling them back toward the forearm.

2. Just like the first stretch, straighten an arm in front of you. Flip your arm over, therefore the hand is palm-side-up. Using the opposite hand, press against the fingers, pulling them downward toward the forearm.

Do you see how each of those put the wrist into further extension? If your problem were thanks to prolonged flexion, then these would be therapeutic. But carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist pain are additional commonly due to prolonged extension.

Till your orthopedist or physical therapist approves them, avoid wrist extension stretches. Instead, work on therapeutic exercises that relieve your pain and correct your imbalances.

About the Author:
Writers Cafe has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in Hand Wrist Pain, you can also check out his latest website about: Engagement Ring Mountings , which reviews and lists the best Engagement Ring Styles.