Technically, I don't think that what you are describing would fit the
definition of RSI as found on Wikipedia: "Repetitive strain injury
(RSI), also called repetitive stress injury, is a loose group of
conditions from overuse of the computer, guitar, knife or similar
motion or tool. It is an occupational overuse syndrome affecting
muscles, tendons and nerves in the arms and upper back; hence it is
also known as work related upper limb disorder or WRULD".

I suspect that what you have is the very earliest symptom of
rheumatoid arthritis. I have, as near as I can tell, the exact same
syndrome you are describing, as I type. The way I verify that the
tightness is indeed returning, is, while keeping my fingers extended
straight, to curl the fingertips as much as possible. When I do that I
can feel the tightness more between the first and second finger joints
(counting from the finger tips), and more stiffness in the first
finger joints, with  a little stiffness coming in the second finger
joints. The usual progression (without treatment) would then move on
to twinges in the 3rd thumb joint, progressing to stabbing pain in the
third thumb joint, progressing to twinges in my shoulder joints,
progressing to stabbing pain in my shoulder joints. I don't know what
comes after that because at that point in the past I began the Zone
regimen, and the pains disappeared. The finger pain is as far as I let
it get now.

If you want to nip your problem in the bud, which I highly  recommend,
my advice is to get "The Anti-Inflammation Zone" by Dr. Barry Sears
(it's on Amazon.com, with reviews). In it you will learn how to
control visable and invisable inflammation. If you try the regimen,
PLEASE report your results here. And, uh, don't forget to tell your
doctor what you're up to.

Sincerely,  BlackHawk

doesn't sound like carpal tunnel to me, but it could be a different type of
RSI.  How continuously are you working on the computer?  I mean, do you take
breaks and move your fingers around and such or are you continually holding
them in computing positions?  My very first thought is to make sure you are
FREQUENTLY pausing to wriggle your fingers around and bend and straighten
them several times.  That will help keep the muscles and tendons loosened up.
If that alone doesn't do the trick, see a doctor for evaluation and
referral.  It sounds to me more like something that might be helped a lot
with physical therapy.

Time for a little history. How long have you been doing the 10
hours/day computer thing?  While it is still fresh in your mind,
please try to recall any CHANGES you have made to your diet,
medications, or lifestyle in the recent past.  If it's there, it
probably would be within the last 90 days. New Years Resolutions,
perhaps? If you're like me, trying to remember accurately what you've
eaten 90 days ago is a REALLY long shot. But hey, you have to play the
hand you're dealt. The foods most likely to cause inflammation are:
    1) trans fats
    2) eggs (very high in Arachidonic Acid, Yikes)
    3) sugary (sweet) foods
    4)  root veggies, especially potatoes
    5) red meat & saturated fats
    6) any high glycemic load food
It wouldn't hurt to start keeping a diary, noting any changes. I
suspect that your symptoms will start waning and waxing. Having the
diary to correlate everything may prove very beneficial, as the
changes at this point are likely to be small ones.
So, now you have your homework assignment. If your report is not
handed in within two days, you will be penalized a full grade, and
fined $600! Hehehe

Sincerely,  BlackHawk

I have cut/pasted some symptoms or RA so that you could compare that
to what you are feeling. This is all from the website:
http://www.reutershealth.com/wellconnected/doc48.html

Please note what this article says about the finger joints, especially
the furthermost joint. That joint typically is not affected by RA
contrary to what another poster mentioned.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS?

Morning Stiffness in the Joints

The hallmark symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is morning stiffness that
lasts for at least an hour. (Stiffness from osteoarthritis, for
instance, usually clears up within half an hour.) Even after remaining
motionless for a few moments, the body can stiffen. Movement becomes
easier again after loosening up.
Swelling and Pain

Swelling and pain in the joints must occur for at least six weeks
before a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is considered. The inflamed
joints are usually swollen and often feel warm and "boggy" when
touched. The pain often occurs symmetrically but may be more severe on
one side of the body, depending on which hand the person uses more
often.
Specific Joints Affected

Although rheumatoid arthritis almost always develops in the wrists and
knuckles, the knees and joints of the ball of the foot are often
affected as well. Indeed, many joints may be involved, even causing
the spine to become misaligned. It does not usually show up in the
fingertips, where osteoarthritis is common, but joints at the base of
the fingers are often painful.
Nodules

In about 20% of people with RA, inflammation of small blood vessels
can cause nodules, or lumps, under the skin. They are about the size
of a pea or slightly larger, and are often located near the elbow,
although they can show up anywhere. Nodules can occur throughout the
course of the disease. Rarely, nodules may become sore and infected,
particularly if they are in locations where stress occurs, such as the
ankles. On rare occasions, nodules can reflect the presence of
rheumatoid vasculitis, a condition that can affect blood vessels in
the lungs, kidneys, or other organs.
Fluid Build-up

Fluid may accumulate, particularly in the ankles. In rare cases, the
joint sac behind the knee accumulates fluid and forms what is known as
a Baker cyst. This cyst feels like a tumor and sometimes extends down
the back of the calf causing pain.
Flu-Like Symptoms

Symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and fever may accompany early
rheumatoid arthritis. Some people describe them as being similar to
those of a cold or flu, except, of course, RA symptoms can last for
years
    Rose   @}>->--
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