Hot and Cold Transition Baths have helped my hands feel better.  I fill 2 pitchers, 1 with hot water from the tap, and another with cold tap water plus a few ice cubes.

I dump my arm into one pitcher for 30 seconds, then into the other for 30 seconds.  I repeat about 3-5 times.   This helps by improving circulation to your arm.  I do this every day.

The HoMedics Paraspa Deluxe Paraffin Bath is a low cost hot wax bath that I use. I learn about the usefulness of these wax baths in hand therapy, used them at their facility, and decided to buy my own. REVLON MoistureStay Parafin Bath is also an alternative.

I use it about 3 times a day and it helps warm my hands and improve circulation and muscle extensibility.  It is messy, so try to keep some material to protect your counter tops around the unit.

A lot cost refill is the Therabath Refill Paraffin Wax - ScentFree, 6 lbs

photo credit: René Ehrhardt

I have found that driving exacerbates my RSI.  It is pretty logical as driving involves use of the hands. I have tried to minimize my driving by getting others to drive, walking, or taking public transportation. Try not standing and holding on while on the bus or subway.

If you HAVE TO drive, drive as little as possible and follow some tips:

1) I started using Ironman Elite cycling gloves because of their thick padding for cycling but found they worked well when I drove.  They make it easier to grip the steering wheel. I have also tried installing a big furry steering wheel padded cover.

2) If you drive a stick shift car, consider trading in for an automatic. Also test the steering and buy a vehicle with ‘lighter’ steering.

3) Try to hold the steering wheel in an ergonomic fashion. Hold the wheel at a “5 o’clock” and “7 o’clock” position, so that you can rest your arms on your legs and reduce the amount of grip needed.

4) Carry and ice packs in a cooler and use them when needed.

This site has additional tips.

Icing is an important technique to help minimize pain from an RSI.

This site has some good times on how to make icing work well.

I liked to put ice cubes in a pitcher of cold water and dunk my hands - wrists - arm in.  This gets the entire area iced. You need to ice longer than I thought I needed to.

You can read more about icing and how long to ice from this guide to Repetitive Strain Injury.

Do you notice that you wake up in the middle of the night more? That is a symptom of an RSI or repetitive strain injury. I was literally sleeping on top of a pillow with my hand right underneath, causing my injury to flare at night.

The Futuro Reversible Splint Wrist Brace is a low cost ergonomic splint that can help you at night.

I used one for a while until I got a custom designed splint from my hand therapy center.