Repetitive strain injury has been around since people first began repeating motions and carrying out manual labor. The first description of repetitive strain injury (RSI) came from an Italian physician, Bernardino Ramazzini, in 1700. He described more than 20 categories of RSI that he observed in the industrial workers of Italy. Today, the main causes of RSI are manual labor, office work, and the use of modern technological devices. Examples include Blackberry thumb, iPod finger, PlayStation thumb, Rubik’s wrist or cuber’s thumb, stylus finger, raver’s wrist, and Emacs pinky. The range of RSIs is wide, but this article will focus mainly on those caused by working environments, sports, and the use of modern devices.

Fast facts on RSI Here are some key points about RSI. More detail is in the main article. There are many different kinds of RSI, and different ways of treating and preventing them.

Modern technological devices have caused an upswing in RSIs.

Repetitive motions in one part of the body can affect the muscles in another part.

Psychological stress and monotony can worsen the symptoms.

Improved workplace practices can help prevent it.

What is an RSI? Share on Pinterest Wrist pain can result from using a laptop for long periods of time. RSI refers to a wide variety of problems. An RSI can affect almost any movable part of the human body. RSIs are associated with repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compression, and sustained or awkward positions. Other names include repetitive motion injuries, repetitive motion disorder (RMD), cumulative trauma disorder (CTD), occupational overuse syndrome, overuse syndrome, and regional musculoskeletal disorder.

Symptoms RSI has many possible causes, and a wide range of possible symptoms. Here are some of the more general symptoms: tenderness or pain in the affected muscle or joint

a throbbing or pulsating sensation in the affected area

tingling, especially the hand or arm

loss of sensation

loss of strength Other symptoms depend on which part of the body is affected.

Causes The causes of RSIs vary widely. Here are some activities and equipment that can increase the risk: overuse of a particular muscle or group of muscles

vibrating equipment

working in cold temperatures

poor posture or a non-ergonomically designed workspace

forceful activities

holding the same posture for prolonged periods

direct pressure to particular areas

carrying heavy loads

fatigue

increased psychological stress has been shown to to worsen RSI

Diagnosis A doctor will normally be able to diagnose an RSI through a physical examination and by asking questions about the sort of repetitious tasks the patient does regularly, what causes the discomfort, and when it tends to happen. There are two broad types of RSI. Type 1 RSI is a musculoskeletal disorder. Symptoms usually include swelling and inflammation of specific muscles or tendons. Type 2 RSI has a range of causes. It is often related to nerve damage resulting from work activities.

Treatment The causes and symptoms of RSIs are varied, so treatment also varies. Types of treatment that are commonly used include: Medication : Anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as aspirin or ibuprofen), muscle relaxants, and antidepressants may help. Sleeping tablets may be suitable, if sleeping is affected.

: Anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as aspirin or ibuprofen), muscle relaxants, and antidepressants may help. Sleeping tablets may be suitable, if sleeping is affected. Heat or cold : Applying heat packs or ice packs. Avoid excessive heat or applying ice directly to the skin, as these can burn.

: Applying heat packs or ice packs. Avoid excessive heat or applying ice directly to the skin, as these can burn. Splints : Some people use an elastic support or splint.

: Some people use an elastic support or splint. Physical therapy : This Includes exercises, manual therapy, bracing or splinting, and advice on adapting activities to cope with tasks or reduce the risk of worsening the injury.

: This Includes exercises, manual therapy, bracing or splinting, and advice on adapting activities to cope with tasks or reduce the risk of worsening the injury. Steroid injections : These are only advised if there is inflammation associated with a specific medical condition, as they can have adverse effects.

: These are only advised if there is inflammation associated with a specific medical condition, as they can have adverse effects. Surgery: : As a last resort, surgery can correct problems with specific tendons and nerves.

Prevention It can be difficult to prevent an RSI from developing or worsening if the cause is related to work or other necessary activities. Share on Pinterest Repeated actions such as lifting boxes or painting a ceiling can lead to pain in parts of the body that are used excessively. The main way to reduce the risk is to stop or reduce the intensity of the activity. If the activity cannot be stopped, tips for reducing the risk include: Taking breaks: Taking regular breaks from a repetitive task can help. An alarm can act as a reminder to take short breaks. Stand up: Standing up and stretching frequently can reduce the risk. Extend the back, arms, and fingers. Eye break: Rest the eye muscles by looking up and staring for a moment at objects in the distance. General health: Eat healthfully and get regular exercise to keep your body resilient, and avoid smoking, as this reduces blood flow. Guidelines for computer and desk workers The most common cause of an RSI nowadays is using a computer or sitting at a desk. The following guidelines may help prevent the most common complaints: Ergonomics : Ensure that the desk, chair and screen are aligned in an ergonomic fashion. Employers will have access to official guidelines.

: Ensure that the desk, chair and screen are aligned in an ergonomic fashion. Employers will have access to official guidelines.

Posture : To avoid slouching, keep the ears and back in a straight line with the pelvis.

: To avoid slouching, keep the ears and back in a straight line with the pelvis.

Wrists : Avoid bending the wrists, and keep the arms, wrists, and fingers aligned when typing.

: Avoid bending the wrists, and keep the arms, wrists, and fingers aligned when typing.

Typing : Avoid hitting the keys too hard while typing. Touch typing can help, as each finger will take its fair share of pressure, and there is no need to keep looking down at the keyboard. Voice-activated software can also minimize typing.

: Avoid hitting the keys too hard while typing. Touch typing can help, as each finger will take its fair share of pressure, and there is no need to keep looking down at the keyboard. Voice-activated software can also minimize typing.

Shortcuts : Keyboard shortcuts can reduce typing and mouse movements.

: Keyboard shortcuts can reduce typing and mouse movements.

Mouse : Do not grip too tightly, and slow your speed to reduce muscle tension in the hand.

: Do not grip too tightly, and slow your speed to reduce muscle tension in the hand.

Temperature : Ensure you are working in an appropriate temperature.

: Ensure you are working in an appropriate temperature.

Telephone: For those who need to type while using a telephone, wearing a headset is better than clamping the receiver between the head and the shoulder.