As many of you know, I’ve been suffering from a typing injury for nearly 4 months.
First, I was misdiagnosed with tendinitis. Then I was misdiagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome.
After a visit to an orthopedic surgeon, (the type of doctor I should have gone to in the first place), my X-rays came back negative. I had no joint or nerve damage. It was only inflammation.
I was relieved I didn’t have carpal tunnel syndrome, but the inflammation diagnosis was just as frustrating because there is no “one treatment fits all” when it comes to curing it.
Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) come in so many different forms and are caused by so many different things (wrong keyboard height/angle, fatigue, wrong size mouse, poor posture and other ergonomic conditions.)
The symptoms also vary from person to person. Even though many of my ailments matched those who have carpal tunnel or tendinitis, the X-rays told a different story.
In fact, most people who think they have carpal tunnel, usually don’t. It’s typically some sort of RSI. That’s the good news. The bad news is it can be just as debilitating and treatment is not as straightforward.
Recovery Can Take Months
When I blogged about this back in November, I thought I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. I had no idea I was in for 3 more months of discomfort.
Nevertheless, I’m about 90% healed (still having occasional stiffness from time to time) and will make a full recovery. Yippee!! 🙂
How I am Healing
1) Rest
This is probably the biggest reason I am nearly pain free. If you start having any kind of discomfort from using the computer, take a break. Also, don’t try to push through the pain.
That was my biggest mistake. When I started feeling hand and arm discomfort, I kept working, thinking it would get better. Had I rested more with the first sign of pain, it probably wouldn’t have taken nearly as long to heal.
It felt really weird to NOT spend so much time on the computer. I felt I was missing out on something, but I eventually got used to it. My body was exhausted and I didn’t even realize how much until I gave myself more rest. Funny how that happens.
2) Stretching
Even if you aren’t in pain, you should stretch before you start computing — especially if you spend 20 hours or more per week on a computer. I presume nearly everyone reading this post falls into this category. Stretching not only helps heal RSI-related injuries, it can prevent them.
I printed the guide from this site and taped it to my desk. This reminds me to stretch before I begin working.
3) Software
Two software programs are helping me get through this:
This is speech recognition software that really took the load off my arms. I answer a LOT of e-mails on a daily basis so this was a very useful tool to have.
It’s pretty accurate, and the more you use it, the better it gets as it adapts to your voice and pronunciations. You can also teach the software new words, which is very helpful with all the Web lingo and acronyms.
You can also program it to type out large blocks of text by saying a word or phrase. This sort of works like canned responses, but they are voice activated instead of using the mouse/keyboard to initiate it.
For example, if I want to type the steps to setting up a WordPress blog, all I have to do is say “WordPress instructions” and the program types everything I stored under that phrase.
This is another cool program that reminds you to stretch every X minutes and provides several exercises with a visual you can follow.
It also has an “auto click” feature so you don’t have to click the mouse. All you do is hover for a predetermined amount of time and the software will click for you.
The auto click feature was my best friend for three months. My forearm muscles were so taxed from all the mousing and typing that clicking the mouse and using a trackpad was painful.
There are some free auto click programs out there. I tried to download a few but had trouble with installation, so I decided to go with RSI Warrior instead.
——————————
I don’t want you to ever experience what I’ve gone through in the past 4 months. And most of this could have been prevented had I stretched regularly, taken more breaks and not ignored the early signs (stiffness and soreness in my fingers/hands and arms).
Also, if you’re having symptoms that don’t go away, see an orthopedic surgeon or a doctor who specializes in occupational injuries. Many general practitioners aren’t as educated on computer-related injuries, so they may be quick to diagnose you with the wrong disease.
Remember, not every wrist or hand injury is carpal tunnel syndrome.
And finally, listen to your body. If something hurts, it’s trying to send you a message. Give yourself a break. I’m sure you’ll agree that spending fewer hours at your computer is worth preserving the health of your body in the long run.
Have you recovered from any computer related injuries? Feel free to share what you’ve learned below!
Great Post! Lots of people are mis diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. I use a mouse called the DXT Mouse. Its allowed me to rest my right hand while using the mouse in my left hand. The mouse allows for a vertical hand posture while keeping accuracy! Really helped with my RSI
i want to ask u something is this a blog or website???????/
I still get wrist pain but it is less severe. Some things that helped me were in order of usefulness were
– got the foot pedal mouse clicker. So you actually click with your heal. this worked wonders. i still moved mouse with hand.
– used the AirObic mouse which stops you from gripping mouse. i actually have one mouse for each hand and often switch hands to give them a break.
– stretching
– no caffeine anymore except on weekends
– wear wrist braces religiously at night
I work 10 hours a day for high stress investment firm. Then I’m on computer another 3 hours a day after work.
I’m also experimenting with doing eccentric wrist exercise but too early to tell if it helps
Took me time to study all of the comments, but I truly loved the article. It proved to be Really useful to me and I’m certain to all the commenters here! It’s always nice whenever you can not only be informed, but additionally entertained! I’m certain you had enjoyable writing this post.
Sorry you had to go through that Lisa, but thank goodness you are okay. Also, thanks for the tips you’ve mentioned about stretching and all. I needed that!
All the best!!!
I have had RSI from being on the laptop too much on a few occassion in the past. I find the best cure is to have a break for a few hours and things are back to normal.
.-= William K Wallace´s last blog … =-.
Thanks for the update Lisa. I’ve really missed your posts at http://websitebabble.com. I am so glad that your injury did not require surgery!
.-= Jordy´s last blog … Optimization Tips for Goggle Local Business Listings =-.
Thanks Jordy
Sorry I haven’t been around the forum recently. I am still not quite 100%. Even though I have the software tools to help out they still slow me down and I’d rather type. 🙂 And since being on the forum is so click-intensive and requires a lot of typing I have been taking a break. But I hope to be back full-time soon. I still read most of the posts, I just haven’t been able to respond as much.
Thanks Lisa for sharing your experiences with us on what you’ve gone through and your ongoing recover process. I myself was off the computer for almost two months. I recently have been back online. I thank God for the rest He has given me while being off the computer. I too spend alot of time on the net and over due it sometimes. It wasn’t from wrist or hand related but diabetes related. I’m feeling better and I’ve been a diabetic for over 30 years now so I am used to this type of feeling my body goes through. Again rest is very important for the body. Thanks Lisa!
You got over it after only four months? It took me years…
However, your advice is entirely right. One piece that is missing is that RSI seems to be linked to undersupply of oxygen to muscles. This often happens when you’re stressed, as your breathing turns more shallow. Forcing yourself to breathe normally and relax the shoulders is one of the most important things you can do. Yep, it sounds silly-simple, but it matters.
Hans
Well I’m not 100% cured yet so it will take longer than 4 months. But this is GREAT advice. I tend to have shallow breathing just from bad habits. In fact, most people don’t breath properly from the diaphragm, have bad posture, etc. so I can imagine how all that would be connected.
Hi Lisa,
Just finished reading almost your entire website (great reading btw) and I can’t help but mention the noticeable number of user comments along the lines of “can you tell me how to make money with my website?” which must drive you crazy! Folks, read the website – the answers are there!
Daniel
LOL, Daniel. And my e-mail inbox looks the same way. I have to admit, it does wear on me from time to time (especially when I feel the answers are very visible on my sites). I obviously cannot respond to them all, but I just gently send them BACK to my site again. LOL
Lisa i am your fan. and i am very glad that your test reports are negative. I can remember that in late 2004 i had developed severe constipation and gastric problems due to non stop sitting infront of computer.
Once i had gone through an article about proper posture while using computer. While you are typing your upper and lower arm should make a 90 degree angle. and your palms should not rest on the table.
best of luck, Keep up the good work.
.-= blogger-tales´s last blog … What is a Keyword itself? – Start from the Scracth =-.
Lisa, I’m really glad you’re almost better. Four months! As others have said, your blog post reminds me to be aware of how my body is feeling.
Question about Dragon: How does it handle homophones such as read (past tense) and the color red? They’re and their, won and one?
.-= Amy P.´s last blog … Mar 12, The Best Pixar Books =-.
Thanks Amy! It does pretty well with those. Now that you mention it, I’ve never had any problems with homophones. It has a pretty good intelligence so it must look at the context the word is being used in to help choose the right one.
Thanks for sharing this Lisa…I’ve been wondering if Dragon is actually worth using or a complete waste of time. Wow, if it really works after you train it a bit, that could really be a great asset for any blogger, especially if you’re writing a report or ebook…
.-= Christian Russell´s last blog … How To Set The Price For Your Product Or Service =-.
Exactly! I have to admit it took some getting used to. I couldn’t understand why some days it would work better than others (from an accuracy standpoint) but I learned it was all about microphone positioning. If you have everything set right, it’s VERY accurate. I would still prefer to type because I type faster than the software can recognize. But when you are in as much pain as I was, sometimes you don’t have a choice.
But you’re right. It can be a great asset if you are typing something very long.
I remember you talking a while back on the forum about your injury from working on the computer a lot. Was wondering how it has gone lately. Hopefully what you are finding out and doing now with rest is helping and that you recover 100 percent. Best of luck in recovery Lisa!
.-= Build Web Traffic´s last blog … Giving Your Readers A Way To Stay Updated With RSS and Subscriptions =-.
Hi Lisa
Thanx for reminding me how important it is to stretch and take breaks. I spend way more than 20 hours a week at my computers – I do try to shake it up a bit and use both my laptop and desktop during the day.
I have printed out the stretches and left a copy on my husbands desk – he complains of upper back pain and times and has horrible posture while working – so maybe this will help a bit!
Melanie
.-= Melanie´s last blog … Mar 8, MGM Las Vegas =-.
Yeah, breaks are nice. I just had one.
I have this reminder on my machine, take a break, so I do.
*cool*
Hey Lisa, I’ve been following your tips for a while (they’re so interesting). Glad to hear you’re recovering. One thing that has helped me reduce discomfort is switching to the 3M Ergonomic Mouse (available at Amazon). Before when using the standard mouse, the tendons in my forearm/wrist area would get a bit sore from all the clicking with my index fingers. I switched to this joystick looking device and haven’t had a problem since. It changes up the motion – now you use your whole arm to move the mouse pointer and your thumb to click. It takes some getting used to. Something to consider.
Adam, this is great advice. I do need a better mouse and have thought about getting one that’s more ergonomically friendly but wasn’t sure which one to get. I will look into this. Thanks!
I think resting is the one thing I forget to do. Me of all people should know better. Thank you for the reminder and I’m glad you are doing better!
.-= Carla | Green and Chic´s last blog … Green and Chic Blog, Ads or No Ads? =-.
Congratulations on your recovery. my thumb has been making this clicking sound every time i bend it. it doesn’t hurt it just clicks. i hope its nothing alarming. Wish you a complete recovery so that we can continue to enjoy your amazing blogs.
.-= Tips 4 Christian Dating´s last blog … Mar 10, Should you date your best friend =-.
I’m glad you are doing better. Don’t worry as we get older we can stand more pain and it feels better. I enjoy reading your articles. Thanks
Have a good one Sheila
When I first saw your Youtube vid where you were talking about all the pain you were going through and how laptops have alot to do with people having the same problem.
I do everything from my laptop, working up to 6 – 8 hours a day on this thing sometimes with very few breaks.
Its funny how we all start our online ventures trying to get away from the mundane and sometimes unhealthy work enviroments all the while still harming ourselves.
I’m going to try to step away from the computer more ofter and do some exercises but I just don’t want to part with my laptop… not yeat anyways.
Thanks for the great help Lisa.
.-= Tim @ everything Niagara Falls´s last blog … This Weekend’s Events! =-.
I’m really glad to hear you are recovering. I’m in the process of working with my doctor to discover whether or not the pain I feel in my wrists and various parts of my body are computer related, exhaustion-related, or autoimmune-related.
I know one thing is true, you’re right – rest helps. The more tired I get, the more pain I feel. It’s irritating really, because I’m always busy, always on the go and always on the computer.
But I’m at the point where I have no choice but to heed the “pain warning” and just take time to rest. Maybe I’ll look into these tools you’ve been using.
.-= Kiesha @ WeBlogBetter´s last blog … The Official Iron Blogger Contest =-.
This is a great post. I had wondered how you were doing with your RSI. Your advice to get it when it starts or as early as possible is right on. I didn’t do that, and worked through some serious pain, and now I’m struggling with recovery. It’s been five months, and I think it’s going to take another three or four months. Like you I’m finding Dragon NaturallySpeaking very useful, but I haven’t yet found a way to mouse that works for me. It’s really mouse clicking that did me in, but I’ve had problems for years. I’m finding is that it’s very tough to change bad habits that have been ingrained for years. I look forward to being pain-free again, but right now I’m still in the thick of it.
.-= Yvonne @ Country Gardener´s last blog … Seville Orange Marmalade – Seasonal Treats Part 1 =-.
Thanks for this post. Raised my awareness about computer injury and prevention by several hundred percent. Your story also confirms the old wisdom – listen to your body when your body talks. A good reminder on that one, too. I hope your are well and wish you all the best.
.-= Beat Schindler´s last blog … Finding Back to the Good Life =-.
Hope you’re doing well. Many people don’t realize that you’re sitting posture and how your arms are elevated to reach the keyboard can put some strain on your wrists.
.-= Jack | Online Marketing Blog´s last blog … 7 Blogging Mistakes You Can Avoid Right Now! =-.
Thanks for the info. I’m a left-handed person who started with a right-handed mouse (like most people). A few years ago I got a Wacom tablet and set it up for my left hand. I often use the mouse, as well as the pen, because of occasional aching in my right hand. Having two mice, I can give the opposite hand a rest. Some reviews of the Wacom tablet call the mouse “useless”, but I use the heck out of mine and wouldn’t want to be without it. It’s definitely not useless to me.
.-= BeatlesTrivia´s last blog … When and where did the Beatles’ final photo session take place? =-.