What is Repetitive Strain Injury?

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a common condition among individuals who work in an environment that places stress on certain parts of the body.

Anyone that works with computers is in a high RSI risk group, due to the demands placed on the wrist by typing. Musicians, athletes and construction workers are also prone to RSI due to the stress placed on joints and muscles.

RSI should be treated as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage to the affected areas. If left untreated, this condition may prevent individuals from working or participating in sports. Most primary care physicians can treat RSI or will refer to a specialist if they are unable to treat a certain case.

There are steps we can take ourselves to help prevent or minimize RSI. Simple exercises, such as swimming and walking, reduce the risk of RSI and can keep current conditions from escalating.

Massage therapy is a relaxing way to reduce strain on the muscles and prevent existing discomfort from turning into debilitating chronic pain. Healthcare providers recommend stretching prior to activity, whether it is work or play.

RSI is a treatable condition. However, it is important to remember that once a case of RSI becomes too serious, it may not be curable. Treatments may be able to reduce the symptoms, but they will not eliminate them. Individuals who feel that they are at risk should take preventative measures before a serious RSI condition develops.
What is RSI?

A Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) includes a whole spectrum of conditions, from tendonitis to carpal tunnel syndrome to bursitis.

Anyone that experiences pain and loss of feeling in the hands or wrists probably has some type of RSI, especially if the symptoms are associated with repetitive tasks. In the US, many specialists prefer to refer to RSI as Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs).

Two different categories of RSI exist. These are Distinct RSI and Diffuse RSI.
Distinct RSI:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This is the most widely recognized repetitive strain injury. Patients that suffer from CTS experience swelling of membrane linings and the surrounding tendons in the base of the palm. This inflammation compresses the nerve that supplies most of the feeling to the hand, causing numbness and aching in the inflamed area.

The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:-

•   Pain or numbness in the wrist, thumb and first three fingers
•   Loss of strength or dexterity in the hand.

Bursitis

Individuals diagnosed with Bursitis experience inflammation of the bursa against the tendons that attach the muscles to the shoulder or elbow.

The specific symptoms are:-

•  Joint pain
•  Stiffness and limited movement.

Epicondylitis

Epicondylitis is otherwise known as tennis or mouser's elbow. This condition includes inflammation or tear of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow. Because the muscles that bend the wrist down start at the elbow, tennis elbow can have widespread consequences. Forceful and repeated bending of the wrist and fingers cause tiny ruptures of the muscle and tendon around the funny bone on the inside of the elbow. This condition can be very painful and should be treated as soon as possible.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis causes inflammation of the tendon, often in the wrist, forearms, elbow or shoulder.

Tenosynovitis or Trigger Finger

This injury causes swelling of the tendon in the finger or thumb, interrupting movement of the tendon.

Diffuse RSI:

People suffering from Diffuse RSI have multiple areas of diffuse pain in the muscles and other soft tissues. This condition is caused by nerve compression in areas where nerves or arteries are susceptible to pinching from joint movements.