Success Stories

My RSI Story

By Dr. Padmashree C. G. Rida

Here is a brief account of my experience with RSI:

I am a molecular biologist and my profession requires extensive use of micropipettes. All operations involving the micropipettes are carried out mainly using the thumb on the right hand with the other fingers of the right hand being used only for gripping the instrument. I was in the final year of my PhD in late 2001 when I began feeling slight pain at the base of the thumb on the right hand extending up to the wrist. This pain was initially mild and only noticeable on days when I was working long hours at a stretch using the micropipette. Usually the pain was relieved by rest alone and I did not use any medication particularly since I was pregnant at that time.

I continued working through my pregnancy and the pain remained at the same level, coming and going depending on the usage of the thumb. Following delivery of my child in July 2002, I found that even though I was on maternity leave and not using the pipette, the pain was persisting and increasing somewhat perhaps because of handling the baby. In the months that followed, the pain became worse and more persistent; a swelling was also visible at the base of the thumb. I still did not take any medication since I was breastfeeding. When my baby was almost a year old, one night the pain became unbearable and I woke up to find the entire thumb up to the wrist badly inflamed, blue in color and the pain was excruciating. I had to rush to the hospital where the right hand was immediately supported with a splint and I was given anti-inflammatory medication. I had to wear the splint at all times for almost 8 weeks until the swelling had subsided. But the pain persisted and I was given steroid injections (2 rounds a month apart and each time at 3 sites). While these injections helped to bring down the swelling, the pain remained and it became virtually impossible to use the right thumb even to tear a piece of chappathi (at one stage). Since I am right handed, it was terribly incapacitating and also demoralizing considering how important the thumb was to my professional career.

It was at this stage that I traveled to Bangalore in Nov. 2003 and was referred to Dr. Deepak Sharan by my brother-in-law. Dr.Sharan examined the right hand in great detail and explained that I was suffering from a condition known as RSI and recommended intensive physiotherapy. I underwent interferential therapy, ultrasound therapy, hot wax treatment and myotherapy and at the same time, began treating both hands with contrast baths regularly at home. Within one week of this therapy, the pain had decreased dramatically. Since I was in Bangalore for a week only, I was not able to continue with my physiotherapy but I have been continuing with contrast baths as well as exercises for my right hand for the last 6 months. Although around 20% of the pain remains, I am able to do most things and I am planning to get back to work in the next couple of months. I am confident that over time, as my child grows up and I carry her less, by regularly exercising my hand, by taking frequent breaks and focusing on posture, I will be able to deal with this condition effectively on a long-term basis.

With best wishes,

Dr. Padmashree C. G. Rida (cgp_rida@yahoo.com)