Rsi
- Thread starter JulesDogg
- Start date
Try to switch hands from time to time.
Relax. Be conscious of whether or not you are tensing your hand or arm.
Use tour forefinger to left click and your middle or ring finger to right click.
Try key commands instead of always clicking.
Slow down. It doesn't have to be a race against the clock.
Relax. Be conscious of whether or not you are tensing your hand or arm.
Use tour forefinger to left click and your middle or ring finger to right click.
Try key commands instead of always clicking.
Slow down. It doesn't have to be a race against the clock.
revengeofmakno
Eclectic Enigma
TLF's suggestions are useful delaying tactics but not a full solution. If you are playing long hours without breaks, problems are eventually inevitable.
I think the first thing you have to ask yourself is whether or not you already have a problem and it is just flaring up to a point that you can't bear it when you play Civ for a while. Sounds like that might be the case.
Second thing is to clearly identify all the affected areas. Computer related RSI is normally centred on the tendons and tendon sheaths in the forearm.
1) It sneaks up on you. It takes a while to build up and be just under the radar and then you suddenly really start to feel it and that often means that already have a substantial problem. It is preferable to develop habits that never let it get to that point. Take many breaks, get up, do something else, don't play as long each time, exercise. Look at the ergonomic layout of where you use the computer, i.e. the chair, screen, elevation, type of keyboard and mouse, etc.
2) Solving RSI is more difficult than preventing it. Getting rid of it once and for all is best done through real exercise for the arms, shoulders and back. Something very vigorous like rock climbing if excellent for that as it works the affected muscles and tendons very hard and not only builds them up in a positive way, it puts them into a relaxed state afterwards. Hanging by your arms from a bar is another, simpler way to really stretch out the arms, shoulders, etc. But either way, you have to really work at it to get rid of it for good.
You can also get a small "TENS" unit to massage and relax the affected areas. Those are ok for acute specific problems but RSI normally involves entire systems of muscles and tendons and it is very difficult to involve all of them systemically with a TENS unit.
I think the first thing you have to ask yourself is whether or not you already have a problem and it is just flaring up to a point that you can't bear it when you play Civ for a while. Sounds like that might be the case.
Second thing is to clearly identify all the affected areas. Computer related RSI is normally centred on the tendons and tendon sheaths in the forearm.
1) It sneaks up on you. It takes a while to build up and be just under the radar and then you suddenly really start to feel it and that often means that already have a substantial problem. It is preferable to develop habits that never let it get to that point. Take many breaks, get up, do something else, don't play as long each time, exercise. Look at the ergonomic layout of where you use the computer, i.e. the chair, screen, elevation, type of keyboard and mouse, etc.
2) Solving RSI is more difficult than preventing it. Getting rid of it once and for all is best done through real exercise for the arms, shoulders and back. Something very vigorous like rock climbing if excellent for that as it works the affected muscles and tendons very hard and not only builds them up in a positive way, it puts them into a relaxed state afterwards. Hanging by your arms from a bar is another, simpler way to really stretch out the arms, shoulders, etc. But either way, you have to really work at it to get rid of it for good.
You can also get a small "TENS" unit to massage and relax the affected areas. Those are ok for acute specific problems but RSI normally involves entire systems of muscles and tendons and it is very difficult to involve all of them systemically with a TENS unit.
Jarlaxe Baenre
Emperor
I've never heard of RSI. I spend hours on my computer/day.
s.bernbaum
Mostly lurking
Proper ergonomic positioning of the wrist is very important when using a computer keyboard or mouse. Standard desk height is designed for writing with pen or pencil. A computer should be on a somewhat lower surface. Personally, I always use a trackball rather than a mouse. This allows you to maintain the proper wrist angle, while a mouse often leads to poor positioning. It is also possible that you have a narrow carpal tunnel which leads to the problem. I would suggest that you see your doctor for an evaluation of that possibility.
It's the eye strain that kills me with headaches for hours after I stop playing.
Then the complete inability to sleep properly for days on end thinking over next stratigies. This is usually why I HAVE to stop playing altogether for long periods.
Then the complete inability to sleep properly for days on end thinking over next stratigies. This is usually why I HAVE to stop playing altogether for long periods.
revengeofmakno
Eclectic Enigma
Consider yourself fortunate and hopefully you will never have problems.
Take a quick look at this link and introduce yourself to one of the great plagues of the post-modern world and a whole new set of acronyms.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repetitive_strain_injury
CajNatalie
Warlord
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2010
- Messages
- 124
The most important thing is positioning yourself and your hands and body in the most ergonomic positions, like in the diagram in the wiki link revengeofmakno posted (scroll down, she's on the right, sat at a PC in a suit).
What also helps is to switch fingers as much as comfortably and sensibly possible (eg: don't always hit keys with your index finger), and about that... don't actually -hit- the keys, lol. Be gentle to your keyboard, because to every action, there's an equal opposing reaction... so the more you bash the keys, the more those keys bash your fingers, putting stress on your hands.
Keyboard shortcuts are also very helpful, for me, since I find it much more difficult to get RSI from keying than from clicking.
What also helps is to switch fingers as much as comfortably and sensibly possible (eg: don't always hit keys with your index finger), and about that... don't actually -hit- the keys, lol. Be gentle to your keyboard, because to every action, there's an equal opposing reaction... so the more you bash the keys, the more those keys bash your fingers, putting stress on your hands.
Keyboard shortcuts are also very helpful, for me, since I find it much more difficult to get RSI from keying than from clicking.
Jarlaxe Baenre
Emperor
Nevermind, I get Rsi. In my knees.
Ha - sounds like me! Eye strain is a problem with computer games. It's often a good idea to take a break. The problem is, you're having so much fun, you get into "one . . .more . . .turn" and wonder what happened to the day.
The addiction problem is a killer.
