Repetitive Strain Injury

RSI

The term RSI covers a number of muscoskeletal injuries such as:

– tendonitis
– carpal tunnel syndrome
– tennis elbow
– rotator cuff syndrome
– dupuytrens contracture
– writer’s cramp
– bursitis
– Raynauds phenomenon

Symptoms will be dependent on the anatomy and diagnosis of your condition but may include; stiffness, tingling, sharp or dull ache, pain in the muscle or joints, numbness, weakness, cramp or swelling.

Initially symptoms may only be present when performing the task and improve on resting, this may last for several weeks , but without treatment, your symptoms will get progressively worse.

Diagnosis of your symptoms will be made by your G.P. Repetitive strain injury is categorised into two types – Type 1 is when the doctor can diagnose a recognised medical condition such as the above list. Type 2 is where the doctor cannot diagnose a specific medical condition usually because there are  no specific symptoms just a feeling of pain.

There are numerous causes of RSI dependant on your job or location of the injury. Some causes include repetitive activities, doing an activity which involves force i.e. carrying of lifting heavy objects, poor posture, awkward working position or carrying out an activity for a long period of time without an adequate break. Other causes are cold temperatures, working with vibrating equipment and stress.

Treatment will also be dependent on diagnosis but generally R.I.C.E treatment will be the initial management. Rest for a few days then begin mobilising the joint on the advice of your G.P. or physiotherapist. Applying ice-packs or heat packs may help alleviate your symptoms and reduce any swelling. Elastic supports or a splint could be used on the wrist or the elbow to give support. Your doctor may prescribe anti inflammatory medication to help with pain relief. If you are on other medication or suffer from stomach problems or asthma medication on the advice of your doctor only.

After this treatment, physiotherapy will be recommended. They will give you advice on posture, exercises to strengthen or relax muscles and can also perform TENS, ultrasound and infrared sessions.

If your symptoms are work related, look at ways to improve your working life. Talk to your manager about your problems and they can carry out a risk assessment. This may report that you need a new chair or a different keyboard, or they may be able to accommodate a new role that will help to relieve your symptoms.

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