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Repetitive Strain Injury is a painful issue that occurs when the bones and muscles in your joints become damaged. It happens through repeated tasks or strained positions. For example, typists often begin to feel pain in the fingers, back, and neck. Working from home, you may not have access to RSI-reducing equipment, so here are some tips you can use to try to reduce pain.
Get Necessary Insurance
You can’t get typical workers comp if you are self-employed. But you can still claim personal injury if you suffer an accident or injury because of someone else. However, this may be unlikely to work from home, but not impossible as not all work-from-home jobs are behind a computer. You can also see a lawyer to prevent employers from assigning workers compensation doctors if you are completing work on behalf of an employer but working from home for a company.
Invest in an Ergonomic Workspace
Offices have a legal obligation to supply you with ergonomic furniture, such as an adjustable desk and/or chair. But what does this mean? Ergonomics is the study of people and their environment for optimal working conditions. At home, you may not have office furniture designed for RSI. But it is a good idea to spend some money on these. You can also purchase adjustable monitor stands, standing desks, and rests for your arms and legs when at a desk.
Reducing RSI with Compression
Office and admin, or computer-based work, has the highest number of RSI cases. According to the most recent figures by the NIH, the clinical diagnosis rate of RSI among employees is around 22%. But that doesn’t take into account people who endure and don’t see a doctor. To combat mild symptoms of RSI, you can buy cheap compression items. Gloves, ankle supports, and knee supports are pretty effective and can help relieve the pressure and tension of RSI.
Buy RSI Compliant Devices
Further to investing in ergonomic furniture, you can also do yourself a favor with RSI devices. If you are working from home at a computer all day, then you can put a lot of strain on your arms, wrists, and back. However, there are some nifty devices you can purchase that can help alleviate RSI. Ergonomically designed mice and keyboards look weird, but they really help. For back support, you can buy memory foam chair supports and even a chair donut for your butt!
Move, Exercise, and Hydrate
RSI may not be avoidable for many people. However, you can dramatically decrease how much it affects you by doing some of the things mentioned above. Further, you can almost completely prevent it by being kind to yourself. Every hour or so, take a five-minute walk. You can also consider some light exercise to loosen your joints. Also, being dehydrated causes your joints and muscles to be stiffer than usual, increasing the chances of RSI, so drink some water.
Summary
Insurance can help if you suffer from RSI and can’t work as a result. However, it is better to reduce the chances of RSI altogether with compression items such as gloves and knee pads. You can further reduce the likelihood of RSI by walking, stretching and drinking more water.
