Repetitive Strain Injury

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) refers to various kinds of injuries to muscles, tendons or nerves. They are often caused by frequently repeated movements, such as tasks or leisure activity. It normally involves the upper part of the body – the foreman, elbow, wrist, hands and neck.

The most common RSI conditions include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome,
• Ganglion,
• Tendonitis,
• Bursitis,
• Dupuytren’s contracture,
• Trigger finger, and
• Rotator cuff syndrome

Causes of Repetitive Strain Injury

The actual cause of repetitive strain injury is still not known. There may be no swelling in your muscles or tendons. It is related to the overuse of muscles in your hands, wrists, arms and upper limbs. Cold temperatures, vibrating equipment or forceful movements can worsen the condition. Other causes include:

• Poorly organized workstations,
• Lack of rest breaks,
• Awkward posture, and
• Badly designed equipment

Symptoms of Repetitive Strain Injury

In the beginning, symptoms can occur when carrying out the repetitive motion. The symptoms can last for weeks, improving when you have finished work and resting. Some of the symptoms include:

• Loss of strength or sensation in your hand,
• Pain or tenderness in your muscles or joints,
• Throbbing sensation in the affected area, and
• Tingling or numbness in your hand or arms

If left untreated, pain may occur most of the time. It can lead to tender swelling in the affected for a number of several months. If the pain starts affecting your sleep, the condition may be irreversible.

Treatment of Repetitive Strain Injury

Most of the time, your physician will suggest avoiding the repetitive actions that cause the RSI. At times, this may not be possible since the activity may require you to be at work.

Treatment is aimed at helping with the pain and to enable strength and mobility. Anti-inflammatory painkillers can be prescribed to relieve the pain. Heat and cold packs, elastic supports and firm splints may be necessary.

If you have inflamed areas, steroid injections may be prescribed especially if you have pressure on the nerves of your wrist or inflammation on your tendon sheath.

Other complimentary therapies are also used to try relieving the symptoms. These include massages, Pilates, reflexology, acupuncture, shiatsu and osteopathy. Walking, swimming, yoga, and tai chi are also techniques that are used.

Prevention of Repetitive Strain Injury

Though symptoms of the condition can ease over time, it is possible to relieve or prevent their development. Some of the things that one can do include:

• Sit at your desk with a good posture,
• If you do repetitive task , take plenty of regular breaks, and
• If working on a computer, position yourself in such a manner as to cause the least amount of strain to your fingers, hands, wrists, neck and back

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