| Answer: | RSI is a complex condition that occurs, as the name suggests, from overworking the wrist and fingers, although there are usually underlying weaknesses that enable it to develop in the first place. With so many of us using computer keyboards for hours every day, RSI is a real risk.
Nutrition can definitely help reduce the typical symptoms of pain, tingling and stiffness. First, as the nerves and tissues are often internally inflamed, limit the inflammation-promoting foods in your diet. The real baddies are red meat and dairy products. Some people also find that cutting out vegetables from the ' night-shade' family- potatoes, tomatoes, aubergines and peppers - really helps. Next,boost your intake of anti-inflammatories containing omega-3 fats, such as oily fish (sardines, organic or wild salmon, mackerel or herring) and seeds. Seeds are a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet - either snack on whole seeds or, to really ensure you release the essential oils, grind a mixture (ideally, half flax and half pumpkin, sunflower and sesame) in a coffee grinder and sprinkle a tablespoon fresh on cereals, soups or salads each day.
Antioxidants also help to reduce inflammation and you can increase your intake by eating a multicoloured array of fruits and vegetables - carrots, beetroot, avocado, green leafy vegetables, berries, kiwi fruits, apricots, sweet potatoes, plums and so on. Have as many as you can, but no less than five portions a day. And take a good antioxidant supplement twice a day. Also supplement B vitamins, as these are essential for healthy nerve responses. Choose a supplement that provides at least 25mg of B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6, 10mg of B12 and 100mg of folic acid.
When you' re sitting at the computer, ensure that your posture when typing is good and that your forearms are supported on a table of the right height for your chair. An ergonomic chair can be a good idea. Make sure, too, that you take frequent breaks from this and other repetitive tasks, relaxing and stretching your arms and shoulders. Reducing your stress levels is important, say through yoga or complimentary therapies such as osteopathy, acupuncture and the Alexander Technique.
Finally, try some homegrown hydrotherapy. Every evening before bed, fill two large bowls or sinks side by side - one with water as hot as you can stand; the other with ice-cold water (add ice cubes to make it really cold). Immerse your lower arms up to the elbows in the hot water and keép them there for 30 seconds; do the same in the cold water for 30 seconds. Repeat this alternative immersion 16 times in total - 8 times in
the hot and 8 in the cold, making sure you fmish with cold. This exercise will help to drain the lymph fluid and boost circulation in your arms and fingers. |
