What You Should Know About Repetitive Strain Injury

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.