Geeks are among the most at risk group of getting Repetitive Strain Injury by getting into bad ergonomic habits while sitting at the computer typing. Do you make these common mistakes that could lead to RSI?

RSI Mistake One - Resting Your Hands on the Wristpad.

Believe it or not, wristpads placed infront of the computer keyboard should not actually be used to rest your wrist on while you are typing! What a rort! Resting on it will contort your hand so that your fingers are actually above the level of your wrist - a very bad angle to type at and one that could easily lead to RSI.

The correct way to use a wristpad is to not use it while you are actually typing and only rest your hands while you are not typing. When you are typing use the feel of the wrist pad to remind you to straighten your wrists so that your typing fingers are below the level of your wrists and your wrists are floating above the wristpad.

RSI Mistake Two - Using One Hand for Keyboard Shortcuts.

I was always pretty proud of the fact that I could use a single hand to CTRL+P from the bottom left to the top right of the keyboard to print a document. What I didn’t know is that contorting your hands and stretching them into odd positions on the keyboard dramatically increases the chance of a strain and RSI.

The correct, if somewhat boring way, to use keyboard shortcuts, is of course, with two hands.

RSI Mistake Three - Not Stretching before Typing.

Ok, so it’s not like you’re coming off the bench for the Pistons or something, but a few basic stretches is actually pretty important before you start typing. Yes, you need to warm up! That means warming up your wrists and hands

Place your hands together as if you were praying with your fingers straight and together and in front of you. Now move your fingers from side to side so as to stretch them backwards towards your elbow. Then rotate your wrists so as to bring your hands from the praying position to an upside down praying position. Make sure you don’t overdo it, but make sure you stretch out the muscles in your hands and wrists before you get down to the business of typing.

RSI Mistake Four - Bashing the Keys.

Are you aiming for China when you hit the keyboard? Be honest! A lot of us simply hit the keys a lot harder than they need to be hit. Beside being annoying to your workmates, it also puts unnnecessary strain on your hands that could lead to the onset of RSI.

The solution? Hit the keys more softly! Duh! Also try to relax your hands and wrists while you are typing. Tensing them up is what you want to avoid.

RSI Mistake Five - Slouching in Your Chair

Didn’t you used to hate it when your school teacher would yell at you to sit up stright? Well, get used to it ‘cos they had a point! A bad posture when you are typing can contribute to RSI in your hands and wrists. This includes slouching and leaning at your desk.

Ideally, you want your knees and elbows to be at right angles. That means sit up straight and make sure your chair, desk, keyboard and monitor are positioned so as to allow you to sit in that position. It isn’t rocket science!

The thing is, Repetitive Strain Injury is a lot easier to prevent than it is to cure. By correcting the above problems (whick let’s face it, is pretty damn easy), you can offset RSI before it happens. If you continue with the bad habits then you are taking your chances on ending up in world of geek hurt.

For more information on RSI and typing, check out these sites:
Typing Injuries FAQ
RSI - The Hidden Cost of Computing
Harvard RSI Action