A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an injury to the upper-limb muscles, tendons, nerves, and soft tissue. There are several causes of carpal tunnel syndrome. Untreated RSI can cause lasting harm.
RSI Risk factors include:
- extended hours of repeated labor without adequate rest
- inconvenient tasks or bad posture
- a bad working environment
RSI is most typically induced by repetitive everyday tasks over a lengthy period.
Types
Overuse injuries can affect any muscle, joint, or tendon, although they are most frequent in the knees, elbows, wrists, shoulders, and neck.
Overuse injuries include:
- Bursitis, bursitis of a joint bursa
- Epicondylitis, Inflammation of the tendon-bone junction
- Child growth plate issues, which can sometimes slow bone development
- Muscle strains and sprains, soft tissues, ligaments, etc.
- Stress fractures, small bone fractures
- Tendonitis and related issues, for example, tendon tears.
- Entrapment of a nerve
The Most Common Causes of RSI
Many things can lead to RSI, including:
- a prolonged length of time spent doing the same motions again
- Equipment that does not suit your body correctly
- Slowing down too much
- a lack of time to recuperate
- retaining one’s place for a long time
- Insufficient instruction on ergonomics and safety
- A lack of variation in the duties performed at work
- Working in subzero temperatures
Symptoms of repetitive strain injury (RSI)
RSI can cause muscle and joint discomfort and soreness. When you’re doing the action that creates them, you may notice them more.
RSI symptoms include:
- aches
- stiffness
- tingling
- numbness
- weakness
- cramp
Even though your body hurts, you may not show any visible indicators like edema. Without therapy, the discomfort may worsen. It might be so terrible that you can’t work or conduct normal activities.
If your symptoms improve while you relax, consider changing your activities or working environment. Consult your employer or a health professional. If your RSI symptoms persist despite modifications in your employment or activities, see your GP.
Prevention
It’s not always easy to avoid repetitive motions that cause overuse strains at work or during hobbies.
Fortunately, these strategies can help prevent many overuse injuries:
- combining strength, cardio, and flexibility
- Diverse exercises for cross-training
- Scheduling rest and recovery periods to promote healing and recovery
- Drinking water
- Warming up and cooling down properly before and after activities, even if it’s just around the house.
- Using proper equipment and fitting
- Stopping an action when you first feel pain or RSI symptoms
- This article is meant to educate and not to replace medical advice.