Computer-Related Repetitive Stress Injuries (continued)

Treatment of RSIs

Repetitive strain (also called cumulative trauma) symptoms include tingling, numbness, and searing pain, which indicate the presence of progressive nerve and muscle damage. If your child complains of excessive fatigue or stiffness in the neck or back or any of these other symptoms, a visit to the doctor is in order.

Treatments for RSI vary; your doctor may prescribe cold treatments to reduce swelling and pain and rest to reduce irritation and speed up healing. Once the swelling and pain has gone away, the doctor may suggest a rehabilitation program to exercise the muscles slowly and prevent loss of movement in the joint. Another part of treatment might be anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the pain.

Parents can install keyboard trays, pads, or alternative curved keyboards; change the location or position of seating, and the height of desks and keyboards; or adjust the height of computer screens and video monitors to create an ergonomically correct work station for the whole family.

Given the importance of computers in our everyday lives, parents and kids should strive to make adjustments to their computer environments to keep themselves healthy.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: November 2008
Originally reviewed by: Kimberly S. Pierson, OTR/L