What is a Repetitive strain injury (RSI)?

Repetitive Strain Injury; also known as Repetitive Stress Injury, is caused by repetitive movement at a joint or multiple joints. It can be found all over the body, but is usually found in the forearm, wrist and hand. This condition is actually a generic term used for the following conditions:

•    Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

•    Tendonitis

•    Bursitis

•    Muscle inflammation

Possible causes

RSI; as already stated, is caused by repetitive movement. This can be directly related to a person’s lifestyle. A common example of this would be office workers using their keyboards and mouse. This causes repetitive strain injury to the forearms, wrists and fingers. The procedure to fix how your body works with equipment and lower the chance of injury is called ergonomics. However it cannot always be avoided as simple tasks like reading, driving and sleeping in the wrong position could cause RSI.

•    Repetitive tasks

•    Forceful exertion

•    Vibrations

•    Mechanical compressions (Pressing against hard surfaces)

•    Sustained awkward positions

RSI Symptoms

Due to Repetitive Strain Injury being because of overuse, the symptoms gradually develop and will worsen over time if movement is not reduced or stopped. The pain will appear at first when performing the activity, but if not treated the pain will appear upon other movements and eventually at rest. The pain itself can manifest itself as sharp pain, a dull ache, throbbing and tingling.

•    Pain typically radiates of multiple areas (fingers, thumbs, hands, wrists, forearms, arm, shoulders, back)

•    Pain worsens upon being active

•    Lack of endurance

•    Weakness in the limb

•    Tingling

Treatment for Repetitive Strain Injury

For the majority of RSI sufferers the condition can be stopped simply by resting and gradually strengthening the area at which the pain started. Unfortunately some RSI injuries persist for years due to the injury occurring at a point where rest is not an option. Things that help the injury improve are:

•    Ergonomics: Modification of machinery or equipment used and changing of posture. The image below shows the guidelines for a perfect desk position.

•    Sports Massage

•    Cold Treatment

•    Braces

•    Medical Treatment

•    Medical Prescriptions such as anti-inflammatory