Anyone that engages in repetitive tasks may be at risk for
repetitive strain injury. It is important to understand the risks of repetitive
strain injuries and preventive measures that may be taken to help avoid this
potentially devastating condition. Fortunately there are many measures to help prevent
and treat repetitive strain injury.
Repetitive Strain Injury Definition
Repetitive Strain Injury or RSI is any injury that may occur
to the body, but most commonly the hands or upper extremities, when tasks are
continuously performed over time. Commonly this condition occurs in positions
where an employee or contractor must perform repetitive work functions in a
manner that causes strain or impact to certain parts of the body. Most
commonly, repetitive strain injury happens when the body is used in ways where
the body is not conditioned to perform the way it has to, or when the body is
used improperly or without training. Examples of roles where RSI frequently
results include:
·
Typing, clicking, data entry
·
Writing or transcription
·
Athletics
·
Assembly line
Repetitive Strain Injury Symptoms
Recognizing the warning symptoms of repetitive strain injury
is the first step toward prevention and healing. The traditional warning
symptoms of RSI include:
·
Pain and tingling in the upper extremities.
·
Numbness in the fingers, wrists, shoulders and
palms.
·
Burning, aching or shooting pains in the
fingers, wrists, palms and shoulders.
·
Weakness in the hands or extremities.
·
Dropping things or loose hand grip.
·
Lack of strength in the hands.
·
Inability to open jars and other objects.
·
Loss of sensation in the hands and fingers.
·
Cold hands and fingers.
·
Hypersensitivity of the extremities.
RSI may lead to subconscious behavioral changes to help
protect the injured area. This may include avoiding wearing certain items of
clothing, or failure to purchase certain items including clothing that has
buttons because it may be too difficult to button clothes because of pain in
the hands or lack of feeling in the hands due to a repetitive strain injury.
How To Prevent Repetitive Strain Injury
Preventing RSI is easier than treating RSI. To help prevent
RSI, it is critical to take frequent breaks from the computer. RSI typically
takes several months, and in some cases years to develop. However, it can take
even longer to heal particularly if a severe case has developed. The single
most important factor in prevention is maintaining good posture while working.
Make sure to contact an ergonomic specialist or an
occupational specialist to evaluate your work station. He or she can help
ensure that your workstation is properly fitted to your body type. This can
help alleviate pressure on the neck and spine while working.
It is critical to take breaks and exercise the hands while
working also. Many people benefit by using a squeezable exercise ball, or some
play dough to massage the hands while working. This can help alleviate excess
pressure on the hands and stiffness when working.
Remember that repetitive strain injury is not a death
sentence. With proper treatment and care, even RSI can get better. Take some
time off to heal properly and address the root of the problem. With adequate
nutrition and rest, along with proper discipline, over time the body can
recover from repetitive strain injury.
