Use a remote for reviewing like I do.

RSI has more to do with how your workstation is setup than simple over-use of a computer. Make sure your chair is at the proper height etc. You might also want to work on strengthening your wrists with something like a powerball gyro.

While reviewing I almost exclusively use the keyboard... My sister told me that the keyboard of a laptop is more likely to give you RSI than a normal keyboard though - but I don't know if that is actually true.

If it is though, I'm certainly willing to get a USB keyboard... But if it doesn't make any difference and I'm wasting money on that... You know

And I'm using a normal mouse (I never liked touch pad, too much trouble)...

Thanks for the replies so far!

Savara wrote:

And I'm using a normal mouse (I never liked touch pad, too much trouble)...

Then maybe all you need is a cheap mousepad with gel padding like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-F8E262-BLK … amp;sr=8-2

Try various brands out in a store.  I used to have write issues before using one of these.

Also, a cramped notebook keyboard with keys that don't have much travel can also cause fatigue - add repeated motions and it's even worse.

Ultimately, you need to take frequent breaks and exercise/massage your hands/wrists.

Last edited by kfmfe04 (2009 March 13, 6:07 am)

I agree that in my left wrist it's probably not RSI... Most likely just that I'm not used to using my left arm/hand for much. But my right wrist, I'm pretty sure it will be RSI because ehm, well I've been using the computer a lot for years, so yeah.

I will see a doctor if things get worse - I already know what exercises to do for RSI (which is basically all the doctor can tell you anyway except for "Use the computer less, take more breaks")... But yeah if it gets worse I will see a doctor, don't worry.

Was just wondering if people might know some tricks to keep reviews from being so... repetitive for you wrist (... well, I know, that's the whole point of reviews xD repeating, just not so good for your wrist, I guess...)

Thanks again for the replies.

I understand how you feel because I have the same problem. I think it's due to using a laptop as well, but I don't even use a mouse. Maybe that's bad? I suggest stretching maybe? Or not doing it so much really. Your health is more important.

I saw a doctor about this too btw.
Most useless co-pay ever. He didn't help at all.

Workrave is a program that assists in the recovery and prevention of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). The program frequently alerts you to take micro-pauses, rest breaks and restricts you to your daily limit.

I hope it helps you.

wccrawford wrote:

You can't get RSI in a week.  It's impossible.  You've got something else.  You should probably see a doctor, though, whether it's RSI or not.

"RSI" is a very vague term covering a whole pile of different underlying causes (some of which aren't actually really very well understood yet). It's perfectly possible to have a situation where you put some extra stress on your wrists and it goes from 'didn't really seem to be a problem' to 'ow, this hurts' in a week.

Exactly what causes this kind of thing is very individual and generally depends on what your personal balance of mouse/keyboard use is and what your posture's like and your workstation setup and all the rest of it.

I would suggest:
(1) if in pain, cut down on computer use as much as possible
(2) try to be aware of your posture; are you hunched up, peering into the screen, are your wrists at a funny angle to the keyboard?
(3) try different things and see what helps; external keyboard? different mouse? move the keyboard/mouse? trackball? etc

If you've got some sort of PDA/mobile/whatever device you could run anki on then that might be worth trying.

(I'm not very good at taking my own advice, but I can usually keep the RSI down to a background 'dealable with' level...)

You definitely need to be careful with both wrists (the pain in your left is probably because you're not used to using it, but the last thing you need is pain in both). I first had pain in my right wrist a year ago, from writing my lecture notes on desks that were too high for me, and too much typing, and am still finding writing very difficult (Kanji is actually easier than Roman characters, perhaps because of the flow of the strokes). The doctors admitted that they didn't have a clue what was wrong >_<. They did suggest a gel wrist support, a smoother pen to write with, and most importantly, to make sure I was sitting properly (I also use my eee PC for lectures, though this probably wouldn't help you if the problem is caused by typing. I have small hands, so the keyboard is comfortable). Mainly, though, it's been improved by rest. You might want to try bandaging your wrist, to give it a little more support - your doctor might be able to give you a proper splint for it.