Hi fellow programmers.
How do you ensure to prevent RSI and/or manage RSI? Especially with your hands and arms.
For those who don’t know, RSI is a disorder that occurs when repeating the same movements too much for a long period of time. This frequently occurs when sitting behind a desk and using keyboard and mouse the entire day.
I personally have a great (but expensive) chair with arm rests and have a slightly ergonomic mouse (it has a curve, to make it more comfortable for my thumb).
Honestly, I dislike having to disrupt my computer activities every hour, because I’m usually quite immersed / invested into whatever I’m doing. Whether that’s watching a movie, developing an app or simply playing videogames. However, I’ll probably have to start taking frequent breaks, in order to prevent RSI from taking a hold in my body. Unfortunately, we only get one body, one chance, so let’s not mess it up with neglecting breaks and acquiring RSI.
I have carpal tunnel in my right wrist at the age of 29. It seemed like it started fairly quickly a few years ago. One week I started noticing my wrist was really stiff and would get pretty uncomfortable if I left it in the wrong position for too long. Looking back, there may have been a few warning signs that I needed to take more care of my hands and wrists, but I didn’t really think about them when they happened. For example, I had noticed a couple times when a certain movement (specifically, holding modifier keys) would be a little painful for a day or two then it would go away.
As far as what to do to prevent it, most of the other posts have good advice, make sure to take breaks consistently and stretching is important. I also ice my wrist a few times throughout the day now, and that definitely helps.
I don’t think you need to actively worry about it, but trying to change some of your habits now before anything starts to hurt is probably the best way to avoid having any trouble.