An injury or disorder that happens over period as a consequence of repetitive, vigorous or awkward body activities is known as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). RSI damages the regular function of soft tissue of the musculoskeletal system which consists of the nerves, tendons, muscles, and supporting structures. The result is pain, weakness, numbness, or impairment of control.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
An injury or disorder that happens over period as a consequence of repetitive, vigorous or awkward body activities is known as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). RSI damages the regular function of soft tissue of the musculoskeletal system which consists of the nerves, tendons, muscles, and supporting structures. The result is pain, weakness, numbness, or impairment of control.
Repetitive strain injury can have severe effects on your body rather than just your hands and wrists. Neck and back injuries can occur due to regular poor posture. Gazing at a computer screen continuously can lead to eye strain. Repetitive use of a mouse can give arm and neck strain along with spinal irregularity.
RSI can occur due to continuous use of computers, playing sports like tennis which involves repetitive motion of hand and wrist, playing musical instrument or video games.
RSI is also known as:
• Upper Limb Disorders (ULD)
• Work related Musculoskeletal Disorder’s (WRMSD)
• Occupational Over Use Syndrome
• Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD).
Causes of RSI
The three primary risk factors of RSI are bad posture, poor technique, and overuse of muscles. The other reasons of RSI can be:-
• Using computer for more than two to four hours a day
• Have a job that requires constant computer use, especially heavy input
• Not taking frequent breaks
• Not exercising regularly
• Working in a high-pressure environment
• Have arthritis, diabetes, or another serious medical condition
• Have an unhealthy, stressful, or sedentary lifestyle
• Overweight
• Not having sound sleep well
• Won’t accepting that you are at risk when you really are
Common Conditions in RSI:
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Throcic Outlet syndrome
• Wrist Tendinitis
• Tendinosis
• Myofascial pain Syndrome
• Chronic Back Pain
• Ganglion Cysts
• Herniated Disc
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome
Symptoms of Repetitive Strain Injury are:
• Tingling, numbness, or pain in the affected area
• Stiffness or soreness in the neck or back
• Feeling of weakness or fatigue in the hands or arms
• Popping or clicking sensation
• Decreased movement of a joint
• Symptoms worsen with time
• Loss of strength or sensation in your hand.
The development of RSI occurs due to:-
• Repetition – Repeated motions of a body part
• High Force Exertion – Lifting heavy loads
• Contact Stress – Repeated contact with the sharp edges of tools or work stations
• Awkward Posture – Maintaining awkward body positions for a long time
• Static Posture – Holding parts of the body in one position for a long time
To begin with, the symptoms only take place when you are performing the repetitive motion, like during working hours. At the end of the day, the symptoms may improve after your work has finished and you are resting. This initial stage of symptoms may last for several weeks.
The symptoms keep on persisting by causing pain or aching most of the time, if it is left untreated. The patient can suffer from tender swelling in the affected area, which can last for several months.
