Rsi

[BarryM]

I have just been diagnosed with Repetitive Strain Injury of the tendons in my right thumb - really painful, the Doctor said it is almost certainly due to my Jewellery making - probably sawing with a piercing saw and has recommended that I completely rest it for 6 weeks. This is almost impossible so I may try using the left hand for sawing, a real bummer as I have several quite nice commissions to do that involve a fair amount of piercing (Celtic Knot pendants and earrings).

The rigours of old age catching up with me.

Not a lot you guys can do except I would be interested if anybody else has had this problem and how they resolved it. A bucket load of sympathetic aaahs and ooohs may help ;0)

[FineJewelleryandArt]

Aaah, oooh. For the rest I think not using the thumb is probably best. Hope it gets better soon.

[enigma]

Probably depends how bad it is but mine normally sorts itself out way quicker than that so I would be optimistic- maybe give it a day or two of total rest then use it less?

[Moon Willow]

After over 45 years in this business I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my fingers nothing that a few pain killer's can't solve, the pain can be problematic but Cameron isn't going to look after me so on I go.

In'85 I had severe pain in my left hand thumb (I'm right handed) this was caused by filling 600 M.B.E.'s O.B.E's problem was solved with a cortisone injection, cleared up in 2 days

Carlton

[medusa]

have an oooohhh and ahhhhh from me, too.

I developed RSI from typing about a year ago. I initially overcame large bouts of transcription by using voice to type software which is of no help to you. However, I found it impossible to actually do 'real' writing so now I have to work in bursts making sure I take breaks every 30 mins or so and do a series of stretches, which hasn't cleared it up, but it means I can carry on. In terms of making, I find i have to work in the same way: 10 mins of hand/arm stretches for every 30 mins work. I'm currently also dealing with adhesive capsulitis, but fortunately that is not a permanent impairment.

[BarryM]

Thanks for the aaahs and ooohs - I feel better already.

I have rested it for over a week with no improvement, in fact it is worse so I think there is something else I am doing that is aggravating it. No dirty innuendos please 😉

[enigma]

I wouldn't even have thought of one if you hadn't mention it

[Didi]

Barry, Oooh, poor you! Where are you? My day job is in Physical therapy, recently helped someone with RSI. No promises but it can often be sorted.
Didi

[Aurarius]

Not a lot you guys can do except I would be interested if anybody else has had this problem and how they resolved it. A bucket load of sympathetic aaahs and ooohs may help ;0)

My right arm was partially but permanently paralysed in a motorcycle accident many years ago. I have had chronic problems with overuse symptoms in all parts of the other arm.
RSI usually entails inflammation of the affected tendons. There are a few things in addition to rest that can help.
1. Anti-inflammatory oral medication or anti-inflammatory gels applied topically.
2. Massage
3. Immobilization by strapping or taping the affected part
4. Application of an ice pack for 10-15 minutes followed by warming of the area with a warm pack. This procedure increases circulation and promotes healing.

[Didi]

Aurarius, sounds about right to me. The hot/cold packs can have a really beneficial effect. If you can't get the packs then hot/cold flannels work just as well. Use the cold one tip it's warm and the warm one till it's cool.
Didi