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- Ignorance of the warning signs or risk factors for injury
- Over two hours of computer use and/or other repetitive hand movement per day
- Binge or marathon computer use (i.e., video games, deadlines, quarterly reports)
- Lack of frequent, regular breaks
- High stress work
- Lack of control over pacing or workload (rush work, deadlines, quotas)
- Boredom, anger or lack of assertiveness
- Poor posture
- Sitting for long periods
- Static loading (holding still for long periods, as in holding a mouse while staring at a computer monitor)
- Keeping elbows bent for long periods
- Poor technique (twisting or resting wrists, forearms or elbows while using a keyboard or mouse)
- Improper workstation setup (i.e., keyboard too high, monitor too high, low or off to one side)
- Inadequate seating (i.e., chair too high, low, or lacking lumbar support)
- Awkward positions (i.e., typing while using the telephone, reaching for the mouse)
- Long fingernails
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Overly flexible joints
- Weak or tight muscles
- Lack of regular exercise
- Cold hands
- Improper eyeglass prescription or undiagnosed vision problem
- Arthritis, diabetes, thyroid disease, pregnancy, menopause, and other medical conditions
- Hand-intensive hobbies, such as playing a musical instrument, gardening, carpentry, needle crafts, bowling, throwing or racquet sports and playing video games
– Deborah Quilter
This list is not all-inclusive, nor do the risk factors appear in any particular order. If you experience any warning signs of RSI, see a competent physician immediately. For more information about the risk factors for injury, warning signs of RSI, how to select a doctor and various treatment options, read The Repetitive Strain Injury Recovery Book. Also see Ms. Quilter's article Are You at Risk for Computer Injury? Some obvious and not so obvious factors in Computer Currents.
Except where specifically noted, all contents of this site copyright © 1996 - 2003 Deborah Quilter. All rights reserved.