What should you know about RSI repetitive strain injury computer?

Typing, mouse use and screen work can keep the fingers, wrist, forearm, elbow, shoulder or neck in repeated or held positions. Symptoms may include aching, burning, tingling, stiffness, reduced grip or pain that builds during a work session. RSI is a broad description, not a single damaged structure. Nerve conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome, and tendon problems such as De Quervain's tenosynovitis or tennis elbow, can produce overlapping symptoms and need separate assessment.

Change position regularly and break up long periods of keyboard or mouse use with brief movement pauses. Keep the keyboard and pointing device close enough that the shoulders can relax, and adjust the chair and screen so you are not reaching or bending the neck for long periods. Reduce force, vary tasks and avoid working through steadily increasing symptoms. A workplace ergonomic assessment can identify equipment and layout changes; physiotherapy or exercise therapy may help restore movement, strength and tolerance.

Arrange an assessment when symptoms persist, disturb sleep, reduce grip or interfere with work and daily tasks. Seek prompt care for progressive numbness, marked weakness, loss of coordination, a visibly swollen or hot joint, or symptoms that began after a significant injury. Sudden one-sided weakness, facial changes or difficulty speaking is an emergency.

Ask which tissues or nerves could explain your pattern, whether your workstation needs a formal review, and which activities should be modified temporarily. Discuss a graded return to keyboard work and how you will know that exercises are helping rather than aggravating symptoms.