What is Repetitive Strain Injury? Causes and Diagnosis

 

Image Source: Total Orthocare

We often complain about pain in our hands, wrists, and finger joints. This is due to the fact that because of our habits we repeatedly place our hands and legs in such a way that it wears our muscles in unnoticeably small amounts. Like for example if you work sitting in front of a computer then you will find that your wrists hurt after a while. Or maybe you may find that your knees hurt after you stand up after a long time sitting. You may think that these are just normal pains and will go away after some time and we don’t need to worry too much about it. Unfortunately, we are wrong about that and it may develop certain conditions that we may later regret. One such condition is known as the RSI or Repetitive Strain Injury.

Causes: RSI is an injury to part of the musculoskeletal or nervous system caused by repetitive use, vibrations, compression or long periods in a fixed position. Other common names to it include repetitive stress disorders, cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs), and overuse syndrome. Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) is another name used to describe RSI. When you repeatedly use the same movements, this usually happens without noticing, it causes damage to the soft tissues and causes inflammation. A person suffering from RSI can experience aching, pulsing pain, tingling and weakness in arms and legs, initially presenting with light discomfort and then pain of a higher degree. We can experience discomfort in our upper limbs as a result of RSI. In such cases due to the repetitive movements, pain is felt in the muscles, nerves and tendons.

It is also possible that we may experience pain due to unwanted movements that we do when we are asleep. Certain positions can cause pain to the muscles and in the joints due to our body weight constantly pushing our joints in a certain way. Some areas of the body are very common where such pain is usually felt which is the neck and the shoulders. Repetitive Strain Injury sufferers can experience mild discomforts to a high degree of pain which can limit the movement of our limbs. Some symptoms often develop gradually such as pain, aching or tenderness, burning or shooting pain, tremors, numbness, fatigue, stiffness, throbbing, tingling, cramp, and even weakness in the forearms to a degree where the patient is unable to perform normal activities. Workers who often work on specific tasks that require repetitive movements are always at a risk of developing RSI.

Diagnosis and Treatment: RSIs are assessed using a number of objective clinical measures. These include effort-based tests such as grip and pinch strength, diagnostic tests such as Finkelstein's test for De Quervain's tendinitis, Phalen's contortion, Tinel's percussion for carpal tunnel syndrome, and nerve conduction velocity tests that show nerve compression in the wrist. Various imaging techniques can also be used to show nerve compression such as x-ray for the wrist, and MRI for the thoracic outlet and cervico-brachial areas. Utilization of routine imaging  is useful in early detection and treatment of overuse injuries in at risk populations, which is important in preventing long term adverse effects.

Doctors will often suggest to modify or stop doing the work altogether that is causing the symptoms. This is to stop the acute RSI from growing into a chronic RSI which is much difficult to assess and treat. The patient will also be asked to take paracetamol or a short course of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. They may also suggest using a hot or cold pack, elastic support or splint. A physiotherapist may suggest the patient to improve their posture or to take breaks to come out of the repetitive movement and stretch out to take a walk. Other things that can help is to do yoga which can definitely help in immeasurable ways. One good news is that RSI is very susceptible to treatments at its early stages and responds well to the diagnosis. Hence it is always recommended to get medical attention if you are facing discomforts while performing tasks in your daily life.

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