Posted by Robin (205.219.190.60) on August 03, 1999 at 11:05:58:
In Reply to: what is RSI posted by mary on August 03, 1999 at 10:41:24:
I am a programmer so I am at the keyboard 9+ hours a day. I was told 3 years ago that the only solution for the pain, sleeplessness, burning, etc. in my wrists and arms was surgery. I rejected that option. I am practically symptom free now; here's how. I use the natural keyboard from Microsoft. It is the funny shaped one with a split and slanted keyboard. Also I take an Oruvail every night. I believe it is either a 150 or 200 mg capsule. It is an anti-inflammatory and is the prescription strenth of one of the popular OTC meds.
It may take awhile to kick in but if I travel and use another keyboard or forget to take the Oruvail even 1 night; I feel the difference. There are also some gentle hand exercises I can describe to you if you want to talk. There are wrist restraints that force the hand and lower forearm into the proper position that may help at first. I used them for months until I got on the right med and changed keyboards. Haven't had to use them in a couple of years now.